A private hospital in Limerick has suspended its breast cancer services following question marks on the quality of care given to a number of women.
In a statement issued by Minister for Health Mary Harney this evening she said Barringtons Hospital had agreed to the move following a meeting with the Department of Health's Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Medical Officer on August 10th The move came after concerns were raised about the treatment of 10 women at the hospital from September 2003.
Ms Harney said an independent clinical examination was required into the clinical care of patients who presented at the symptomatic breast disease service at Barrington's Hospital in that period.
"The Department is in discussions with the Office of the Attorney General and Barringtons Hospital on bringing this forward as soon as possible," Ms Harney said in the statement. The Department has also asked Barrington's Hospital to assess how many patients may be involved and work is under way to appoint a specialist team for this purpose.
"I want to assure women that the clinical examination will be thorough, prompt, and of course, fully confidential," Ms Harney said.
"My hope is clearly that this will provide reassurance to women who had used the service and for most women there will not be a need for unanticipated new medical treatment."
The Department investigations include:
A Health Information and Quality Authority review of pathology services at the publicly-funded University College Hospital, Galway.
An examination of the clinical care of cases at Barringtons Hospital over the last four years
An investigation into all aspects of care in any cases found where care was inadequate.