Hospital recall for women screened for breast cancer

More than 40 women screened for breast cancer at Antrim Area Hospital have been recalled for tests.

Health Minister Shaun Woodward said the move was a precautionary measure after hospital staff raised concerns about the work of a consultant radiologist.

The radiologist, who has been suspended, had also worked at Altnagelvin and Belfast City hospitals.

The Minister confirmed that the hospitals were making arrangements to contact all the women who may have been affected as soon as possible.

"My first concern is for the 44 women, and indeed other women, who might have been seen by this particular consultant and to put everything and anything in place," the Minister said.

The likelihood of women being at risk, either at Altnagelvin or Belfast City, where he also worked, is "very, very small indeed", he said.

As well as the 44 recalls, the Minister confirmed that Belfast City Hospital is to review more than 2,000 assessments carried out by the consultant.

Patients who had breast examinations at the hospital in the past year are being contacted.

The health minister said it was possible that more women would be recalled.

However, Mr Woodward pointed out that although the consultant in question had worked alone at Antrim Area Hospital, he had worked as part of a team at the other hospitals.

"As a result of working in a team, his secondary assessment will have been reviewed by his peer group as he was making it," he continued.

Helplines have been set up for anyone concerned about their mammogram result.

They are: Antrim Area Hospital - 0500 825 158; Altnagelvin – 028 7161 1213 and Belfast City Hospital – 028 9026 3531.

(MB/SP)