Patients invited back to Drogheda Hospital after review reveals miscategorisation of pre-cancerous cells
A 'look back' review into the handling of histopathology slides that focus on the examination of tissues to diagnose pre-cancerous cells is underway at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
It's believed a number of patients treated at the hospital are being told this week about the miscategorisation of pre-cancerous cells following a review of work carried out by one consultant.
In a statement the HSE said: "In the course of our quality assurance process in the hospital, we commissioned an independent lookback of all histopathology slides across various specialities in relation to one consultant, focusing on a period from February to November 2024.
"This review is under way and any patients in relation to whom any findings are relevant will be contacted directly by the hospital.
"HSE Dublin and North East has provided necessary information to the HSE in line with the National Patient Safety Briefing Protocol."
Meanwhile, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said she is aware that the "lookback review" is under way.
The minster also said: "The priority is that any affected patients receive the care and treatment they require and that information from the review is provided to them in a transparent and compassionate manner.
"The HSE have advised that this lookback review of histopathology slides relates to the work of one consultant during 2024 and that the review involves histopathology slides across a range of clinical specialities.
"The HSE will continue to update the Department of Health in line with usual protocols.
"I am conscious that the lookback review is not yet completed, so I cannot comment further at this point."
Senator Alison Comyn has expressed her shock and deep concern at news and offered support to "every patient and family affected by this dreadful situation”.
“To be told that your health may have been put at risk in this way is incredibly distressing, and I want to acknowledge the real anxiety so many are feeling right now.”
The issue has been linked to the work of one consultant, but Senator Comyn insisted that wider lessons must be learned:
“Patients put their trust in our health system at the most vulnerable moments of their lives. That trust must never be broken. People deserve absolute confidence that when they seek care, they will receive the highest standards of safety and accuracy.”
She confirmed she will be demanding urgent answers and reassurances from health authorities:
“I will be pressing for full transparency and accountability. Patients and families deserve clear explanations and immediate action to ensure this never happens again.”