Minister for Health Mary Harney has ordered an independent review of services at Ennis General Hospital following the deaths of two women who received a late diagnosis of breast cancer.
In a statement, Ms Harney said that following consultation with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) arising from the deaths of Anne Moriarty and Edel Kelly, she had asked HIQA to carry out an independent review the hospital’s services.
The review will include issues relating to the diagnosis and treatment of patients and the approach to communications within the hospital, she said.
Ms Harney said the exact terms of reference will be finalised shortly and she has asked that the review be completed within three months.
In a letter to the chair of HIQA, Pat McGrath, Ms Harney said she believed it would be “particularly helpful” if any of the conclusions or recommendations were also applicable to other acute hospitals.
“We must learn from the tragic experiences of Anne Moriarty and Edel Kelly. I am confident that HIQA’s report will help us ensure that our services meet the standards which all our patients are entitled to expect,” she said.
Ms Harney said she had been briefed on the arrangements being put in place by the HSE for patients who attended hospital breast clinics in the past two years and who did not have a diagnosis of cancer, but who have concerns “in light of recent events”.
She welcomed the fact that “while there is every reason to believe that the vast majority of women have received the correct and appropriate assessment”, the HSE is offering patients the option of a specialised re-referral service following discussion with their GP.
HIQA chief executive Dr Tracey Cooper said: "The investigation is being conducted to ascertain the quality and safety of the services provided at Ennis General Hospital. This decision follows a review of the information available on the recently reported cases of misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis."
Dr Cooper said the authority will be working closely with the HSE, Ennis General Hospital and the Department of Health "to ensure that the investigation will result in a comprehensive report with recommendations that will apply to hospitals throughout Ireland".
Both Ms Moriarty and Ms Kelly died earlier this year after they were incorrectly given the all-clear following tests for breast cancer at Ennis hospital. Their families went public to highlight the issue.
Chief executive of the HSE, Prof Brendan Drumm, has confirmed a third case of cancer misdiagnosis is expected to come to light soon and that medical files have been taken from Ennis General Hospital for assessment at another facility.