The HSE has begun a review of all chest X-rays and CT scans reported on by one radiologist in the northeast.
The review involves some 6,000 X-rays and about 70 CT scans, and the HSE said those reviews began today and are expected to be done within the coming eight weeks.
The review entails all chest X-rays and CT scans reported on by a locum consultant radiologist who worked in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, between August 2006 and August 2007.
Letters have been issued by the HSE to nearly 4,600 patients affected.
Minister for Health Mary Harney told the Dáil that patients will told of their result as soon as their X-ray or CT scan is re-assessed. They will be informed if they are clear or referred for further assessment.
The HSE said the review follows concerns raised that a “very small” number of patients in two Louth/Meath Hospitals during 2006/7 had their diagnosis delayed, due to an abnormality on their chest X-ray not being noted on initial examination.
These patients were subsequently diagnosed with lung cancer by follow-up X-rays and have since died.
The expert team of radiologists involved in the review is made up of an internal/external mixed panel of radiologists from Louth Meath and Northern Ireland.
Letters were posted on 14th May 2008 from the hospitals to all of the patients involved, and the HSE said GPs and hospital consultants in the region to have also been sent letters to advise them of the review.
“While we understand that receipt of these letters will cause concern for patients and their families, it is of paramount importance that we inform patients of the situation at hand, and what the hospital is doing to respond. We would like to again assure our patients that the review we are carrying out is precautionary in nature,” the HSE said.
Spokesman Stephen Mulvany added: ‘We perform up to 200,000 radiology examinations every year in the three Louth Meath hospitals, on about 120,000 patients. This look back relates to a much smaller number of cases, reported on by a single radiologist among a team of 11.
"Our priority is, and will remain, the welfare of our patients and our responsibility to inform them about their care and this issue."
Patients involved in the review can contact the HSE information line at 1850 24 1850, 10am to 6pm.
The HSE added that the radiology equipment in the five hospitals in the north east is modern, up-to-date, and regularly inspected.