A consultant's substandard care was to blame for the delayed diagnosis of breast cancer in 14 women in Northern Ireland, a report said today.
An investigation of more than 7,500 cases was ordered in November last year following the suspension of a radiologist who had worked at Antrim Hospital, Belfast City Hospital and Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.
Dr Robin Wilson, director of Breast Screening Quality Assurance, East Midlands, led the review. His report concluded: "Clear evidence of substandard care has been identified and this has led to significant and avoidable delays in the diagnosis of breast cancer.
"In a number of these cases it is likely that the care will be determined to be negligent by independent review."
A total of 404 women were reassessed following the suspension of the radiologist. It was found that 14 breast cancers were detected, and there was a delay in diagnosis that was not identified at screening or symptomatic assessment clinics.
All 14 women have undergone surgery, where appropriate, and are receiving follow-up treatment as required. Individual reports about the circumstances in each case will be available to the women by the end of February.
Dr Wilson recommended the radiologist at the centre of the case should not be involved in breast imaging, pending the results of the independent review into his work and any disciplinary process.
He also called for a formal review of current provision, and an appraisal of future provision, of breast screening and symptomatic radiology in Northern Ireland.
The North's health minister, Shaun Woodward, apologised to the women concerned and vowed the recommendations of the independent inquiry would be implemented immediately.
PA