An independent review has been commissioned into pathology services at University College Hospital Galway (UCHG) following confirmation that a woman with breast cancer was initially given two erroneously positive test results.
The hospital has issued an apology to the woman, who also lives in the mid-west area. Her treatment was delayed by 18 months as a result of the mistakes.
The review is to be conducted by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), which is also investigating a misdiagnosis involving Co Tipperary woman Rebecca O'Malley.
A separate internal check of similar test results issued by the UCHG laboratory during the two periods in question is also being conducted, according to the Health Service Executive West.
The hospital has established a telephone helpline for members of the public who may be concerned about their own test results.
The errors occurred in late 2005 and early 2007 as a result of two separate samples taken at Barringtons Hospital, Limerick, and forwarded to the UCHG laboratory. The first biopsy was tested in September 2005 and the woman was informed that it was clear.
However, the woman discovered another lump earlier this year. A new biopsy was taken and then referred to UCHG. This second test, in March of this year, was also reported as negative.
The woman's doctor asked that this second test be checked again, and it was sent to the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork, where it was identified as positive for cancer. The biopsy for September 2005 was also reviewed, and was found to be positive.
UCHG says that contact was then made with the woman, her family and her clinician and an "unreserved apology" has been issued.
It also contacted HIQA and asked it to conduct an independent review in the light of the false readings at the hospital's laboratory.
A spokeswoman for the HIQA said that terms of reference for the review would be drawn up and an investigation team would be put together in the coming days. Its chief executive, Dr Tracey Cooper, has also offered to meet the patient as soon as possible.
The authority has already hired Irish and British experts and representatives of patients' groups to carry out its investigation into the care provided to Co Tipperary mother of three Rebecca O'Malley by the HSE.
Ms O'Malley's cancer was misdiagnosed following a biopsy at the Midwestern Regional Hospital, Limerick, in March 2005. That sample was read at Cork University Hospital laboratory.
A second biopsy 14 months later showed she did have cancer. She received an apology from Minister for Health Mary Harney over her treatment.
Pathology services provided by the Health Service Executive at Cork University Hospital and the symptomatic breast disease services provided by the HSE at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital are being examined as part of the terms of reference.
HIQA said that services provided at Barringtons Hospital did not come within the scope of this new review as it is a private facility.
The telephone helpline, which was set up at UCHG yesterday to give advice to concerned members of the public, is 1800 252 016 and it is in operation from 9am to 5pm daily.
