New diagnosis probe starts at UHK

HSE ARE INVESTIGATING NEW SUSPECT DIAGNOSIS CASE AT KERRY HOSPITAL

THE HSE has said that the case of a University Hospital Kerry patient – whose diagnosis was allegedly delayed significantly – is not connected to the recent scan crisis at the hospital and that a separate investigation into the case is now underway.

It is understood that the patient has passed away and the family has now raised concerns about the patient’s initial diagnosis.

The patient’s case was raised with the HSE by Sinn Féin Cllr Toireasa Ferris.

When she raised the matter Cllr Ferris was of the understanding that alleged delays or mistakes involved in the patient’s diagnosis were linked to the misreading of scans by the locum radiologist whose work was the subject of the major review that concluded with the publication of a report last week.

On Tuesday – on foot of enquiries from The Kerryman – Heneghan PR (the Dublin based firm that handles public relations for the HSE’s South/ South West Hospital Group S/SWHG of which UHK forms part) said that the patient’s case was not linked to the UHK scan crisis.

A Heneghan PR spokesperson said that there were “no radiological discrepancies in the case” and that the S/SWHG has now engaged with the family involved to address their concerns.

Cllr Ferris said that the development was “very worrying as it appears there is another investigation underway at UHK”.

Since the matter was raised by Cllr Ferris the HSE has subsequently confirmed to The Kerryman that an investigation into the patient’s diagnosis is underway and that the family will be kept regularly updated as the enquiry progresses.

“The hospital has clarified the concerns of the family. The hospital will investigate and address the concerns raised and will continue to engage with and respond to the family,” said the spokesperson.

Photo Domnic Walsh Fearghal Grimes General Manager UHK, Dr Clare O’Brien, Dr Gerard O’Callaghan SIMT Chair and Celia Cronin of the SSWHG brief the media on the findings of the UHK scan review.