A 65-year-old woman must wait 12 weeks before she can have a mammogram, the Mayo TD Mr Jim Higgins revealed yesterday.
The woman went to her doctor complaining of a pain in her breast and was told she would have to see a surgeon, who would then arrange for the procedure. Mr Higgins said the woman was shocked and distressed when told she could not have a mammogram at Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, for three months.
A spokesperson for the Western Health Board said last night that any woman discovering a lump in her breast would be seen at a clinic in Mayo General Hospital within one week.
Mr Higgins observed: "Naturally the lady was very stressed and anxious. A three-month wait for a mammogram is simply unacceptable. Such a service should be available on demand as time can often be very important in such cases.
"I understand the reason that GPs cannot make direct arrangements to have a mammogram carried out.
"What also needs to be explained is how the Eastern Health Board is able to provide the service on demand, whereas in the Western Health Board area one has to go on a waiting list."