Hundreds of people recalled for further investigation after undergoing potentially defective cancer testing – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Hundreds of people recalled for further investigation after undergoing potentially defective cancer testing




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In a large scale blunder, the HSE’s recalling nearly 300 people who were given the all clear for bowel cancer, after it was discovered that the testing method used was potentially faulty.

All these patients had undergone colonoscopies in Wexford Hospital, between the years of 2013 and 2014.

118 of these were part of the BowelScreen programme, which offers free bowel screening to men and women aged 60 to 69 years.

The recall was prompted by two patients who developed the disease after being screened at the hospital and be given the all clear. Both patients had undergone colonoscopies under the BowelScreen programme. This has resulted in the recall of all 118 patients who had had the same procedure done.

A further 163 patients who also had colonoscopies after being referred to the hospital with potential symptoms of bowel cancer are also being offered a new test.

It is understood the HSE has written to all patients and 66 have already have appointments.

The issue with the test lies in the absence of clear photographic evidence to show the very end of the bowel in a number of cases.

Wexford General surgeon Kenneth Mealy wanted to assure the patients that “this is a precautionary measure and that everyone involved in this recall has been already contacted.”

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