Locum doctor failed to complete referral for woman who was later diagnosed with cancer, inquiry told

The doctor whom Dr Christova had been hired to cover told the fitness to practise inquiry she was called back from her annual leave by the clinic’s concerned staff after just three days, who were of the opinion it was 'not wise' for Dr Christova to be left there alone. File photo

A locum doctor failed to refer a woman with lumps in her breast — who was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer — for urgent consultation, a fitness to practise inquiry has heard.

The 72-year-old woman in question presented at Shannon Medical Centre in Co Clare on October 17, 2019, with a series of lumps on her breasts. However, despite noting the lumps, the GP who heard her case Dr Theodora Christova began, but failed to complete, a consultant referral for her condition.