A helpline set up by the Health Service Executive (HSE) for women affected by the review of medical records at Portlaoise hospital could not be accessed for much of yesterday because of the volume of calls, writes Paul Cullen.
HSE head of consumer affairs Mary Culliton admitted there were technical difficulties with the line, which was "jammed" earlier yesterday as large numbers of women rang to check whether their ultrasound scans for suspected breast cancer would have to be reviewed.
Callers were put through to an answering machine message which undertook to return their calls. One woman told RTÉ Radio how she tried to get through repeatedly on Thursday and yesterday but without success. Ms Culliton said the line was staffed by two specialised breast cancer nurses and they "could only deal with so many". Calls were still being diverted to an answering machine message yesterday evening.
The HSE said in a statement yesterday evening that all 97 women were being contacted with a time for a clinic appointment today with visiting consultant breast surgeons from Dublin. Some 364 patients identified as not requiring follow-up were also being contacted yesterday, and would also receive letters. The review of medical notes at the hospital is continuing.
• The helpline will operate over the weekend from 9am to 5pm at 1800 252 041.