Minister for Health Mary Harney last night confirmed that the 97 women who are being recalled for tests at the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise will be able to see consultants there today, writes Steven Carroll
"Myself and a number of my officials worked with the HSE to ensure that those women who are available would be seen in Portlaoise , so that we can relieve the worry and hopefully the vast majority of them will be clear," she said.
Prof Arnie Hill, consultant breast surgeon at Beaumont Hospital, Mr Enda McDermott of St Vincent's hospital, and Mr Mike Allen of Beaumont Hospital, will travel to Portlaoise today to conduct clinical reviews.
Ms Harney said the HSE yesterday evening had 80 phone numbers for the 97 women who needed to be contacted. The remaining patients who could not be reached by telephone would be contacted at their homes.
A statement from the Minister said: "In respect of women who cannot be contacted, a further service will be available on Monday." It also said the doctors would be "available for consultation for as long as necessary".
The initial HSE plan was to invite the 97 women to be seen in St James' and Tallaght hospitals in Dublin next week. However, Ms Harney last night told RTÉ News that once the doctors offered to see the patients in Portlaoise today, she was "very anxious the HSE would avail of the offer" and "not wait until next week".
Dr Ann O'Doherty has also offered to carry out a review service at St Vincent's on Monday and, if necessary, on Tuesday.
Ms Harney said she was awaiting a report into why she was not informed of the 97 cases.
"It is very unsatisfactory the way in which the matter has come to light. Firstly, the fact the women were not contacted first; secondly, I was not made aware nor the public made generally aware.
"It was only on Wednesday that I became aware a parallel review was being conducted by Mr Naughton at Portlaoise hospital.
"As far as I was aware, there was only one review and that was being conducted by Dr Ann O'Doherty."