The Health Information and Quality Authority investigated the caseload of both pathologists involved in Ms A's case. The authority found that Dr B had made a mistake in just this case, out of 2,000 breast histology patient cases. However, after investigating 747 breast and non-breast cytology patient cases and 123 gynaecological cytology cases reported on by Dr C, 49 mistakes were identified.

According to the report's executive summary, "The discrepancies found in these 49 patients had the potential to affect the clinical management and care for those patients and therefore all patients were followed up by UHG and, where necessary, recalled for consultation, further investigation or treatment." The care of 12 of these patients was affected by the review.

The review also revealed issues with 45 gynaecological screening cases checked by Dr C. All these women have been contacted and offered follow-up services where necessary.

The review team also expressed concerns about the recruitment procedure used to appoint Dr C, saying this had wider implications for UHG and the HSE as a whole.

Separate to the review, work done by another pathologist who worked at the hospital in Spring 2004 has been investigated and patients concerned are being informed.

The phone number for patient enquiries is 1800-252016 and lines are open from 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

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