Portlaoise Breast Cancer Files To Be Reviewed

The Health Service Executive is to review the files of more than 3,000 breast cancer patients who attended the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise over a four year period. 3000 mammograms and 2500 breast ultrasounds will be re-examined.

This is the latest in a series of such reviews established in recent months. Last May, 28 cases relating to the laboratories at Cork University Hospital were reviewed when it was discovered a woman with breast cancer was wrongly given the all clear.

While last month, procedures at the pathology laboratory in University Hospital Galway were examined when it was discovered a similar situation had occurred there. And it has also been confirmed that the cases of 10 women attending the private Barringtons Hospital in Limerick will be reviewed.

The HSE has moved to reassure women, however one leading oncologist criticised plans to increase the number hospitals providing cancer care services. Prof John Crowne of St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin says increasing the number of centres is a major blunder and will reduce the quality of service provided to cancer patients.

Patient Focus has called on the HSE and the Dept of Health to put in place a support process for all those affected by patient care issues at Barringtons Hospital and the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise.