James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Information and Quality Authority to investigate cancer misdiagnoses in Louth and Meath in view of the fact that information is missing from the report of the review of chest X-rays and CT scans (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42473/08]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 207: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Information and Quality Authority to investigate cancer misdiagnoses in Louth and Meath in view of the fact that information is missing from the report of the review of chest X-rays and CT scans (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42895/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 207 together.

I will not be requesting a further investigation into this matter, as I am satisfied that the review just completed was thorough and comprehensive. It is not correct to say that significant pieces of information are missing from the report. The review took the form of a clinical look-back. It was carried out to identify any possible ongoing patient safety issues and to provide reassurance to those patients whose chest X-rays and CT scans were assessed by the consultant concerned. The aim was to identify any ongoing harm or disadvantage to patients and ensure delivery of any additional care or treatment required. It is important to note that all of the patients whose diagnosis was delayed had already been diagnosed with cancer before the review began. No further cases of delayed diagnosis were identified as a result of the review.

The reasons for the delay in carrying out the review are set out in the report. An audit of this nature had never been undertaken in these hospitals, and it took time to identify the appropriate approach and deal with the logistics of what would be required. The issue of missing x-rays is dealt with in the report. The report notes that despite extensive searches 29 out of almost 6,000 X-rays and CT scans could not be found. It outlines how these patients were followed up. In some cases, a subsequent similar radiograph was examined. In the remaining cases, patients were offered new examinations. One person who was not an Irish resident could not be traced from the contact details held by the hospital.

In relation to the 23 barium studies that were reviewed, four were deemed ''incomplete studies'' by the expert reviewing Radiologists. I understand that these patients' tests are now almost concluded and they are receiving the appropriate follow up care as recommended by the external Consultant Gastroenterologist. At the time of publication, the report noted that this work was ongoing. Rather than delay publication of the review, the report indicates that it will be the subject of an addendum publication as soon as possible.