Over 1,000 patient samples reviewed amid concern over incorrect grading of precancerous cells at Drogheda hospital

"we are looking back at histopathology results from just over 1,000 patients, and have reviewed just over 500 of these so far. Of these, four are being invited to open disclosure meetings at which it will be explained that their biopsy results are not as originally communicated to them. Two of these relate to the categorisation of pre-cancerous cells. Two patients had a 12-day delay in their treatment plans. And in one of the above cases there was an additional biopsy performed which was not necessary."

"we will also be writing to several dozen patients to explain a variance between their original test result and the view of the independent reviewers"

"In none of these cases is there any change in their management required."

"all doctors go through a robust recruitment and onboarding process."

The consultant worked as a histopathologist analysing slides from patient biopsies and surgical samples for abnormalities. A lookback found that some patients received incorrect grading for pre-cancerous cells, including cases graded low when they should have been high. The HSE is reviewing histopathology results for just over 1,000 patients and has reviewed just over 500 so far. Four patients are being invited to open disclosure meetings to explain revised biopsy results. Two cases relate to categorisation of pre-cancerous cells, two patients experienced a 12-day treatment delay, and one had an unnecessary additional biopsy. Several dozen patients will be written to about variances with independent reviewers, and none of those cases require a change in management. The doctor was a locum and is no longer working at the hospital. The issue came to light during a multidisciplinary meeting many months later.

Read at Irish Independent