Health Information and Quality Authority announce Terms of Reference for Investigation into pathology service and the symptomatic breast disease service at University College Hospital Galway
Friday, 7th September 2007
The Health Information and Quality Authority today announced the terms of reference and investigation team that will undertake an independent investigation of pathology services at University College Hospital Galway (UCHG). The investigation is being undertaken following the mis-diagnosis of cancer in a private patient receiving care in the mid-west.
The investigation is being undertaken to ascertain what happened in this case and it will also review as many additional cases as are required, in order to reassure women with symptomatic breast disease whose pathology specimens were examined in UCHG over the relevant time period that they have been correctly diagnosed. The Authority will be working closely with UCHG to ensure that other women whose cases are being reviewed are communicated with promptly and appropriately.
The investigation team will be led by Dr Mike Durkin, Medical Director of the South West Strategic Health Authority, England. Terms of reference are attached and the membership of the investigation team is as follows:
- Dr Ann O’Doherty – Consultant Radiologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin and Clinical Director BreastCheck
- Professor Arnold Hill - Professor of surgery at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin
- Mrs Sheila O’Connor – Patient Focus
- Dr Gerard Boran – Faculty of Pathology of Ireland
- Dr Mairead Griffin – Consultant Cytopathologist
- Dr Michael Jeffers – Consultant Histo/Cytopathologist
- Dr Clive Wells – Consultant Cytopathologist, St Bartholomews Hospital, London, UK
In the interest of a fair and thorough investigation the Authority does not envisage making any further public comment until the investigation has concluded. The investigation report, and its recommendations, will be published following the completion of the investigation.
Follow link to view
Terms of Reference
Ends.
For further information please contact:
Marty Whelan, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
01 6041785 / 086 2447623
mwhelan@hiqa.ie