NI's radiology service to be 'strengthened'

Health Minister Paul Goggins has said action is being taken to increase the numbers of radiologists in the health service in Northern Ireland.

The move follows the publication of a review of the Northern Ireland Breast Screening programme conducted by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).

The review pointed to a shortage of radiologists as contributing significantly to an incident last November when concerns were raised about the clinical judgement of a consultant radiologist working at Antrim Area Hospital. As a result of these concerns, 44 women were recalled for reassessment of their breast screening results last November.

The review, which examined the circumstances which contributed to the incident, found that a chronic shortage of radiologists had contributed significantly to the incident and also raised concerns about the Trust's management of the consultant, that there were issues over recruitment and interview processes, and also indicated that some clinical and quality assurance guidelines were not adhered to rigorously.

Mr Goggins said: "On behalf of the health service I want to apologise unreservedly for the distress and anxiety which these women have suffered. I have been assured that these women have been offered all the necessary treatment and support they need.

"The RQIA review raises a number of concerns which must be addressed. In particular, it has highlighted the need to increase the number of consultant radiologists working in breast screening. There is a UK-wide shortage of breast radiologists. I have asked my Department as a matter of urgency to look at ways in which we can further increase the number of junior doctors training in breast radiology. We are also developing the skills of staff working in breast disease, so they can take on additional duties."

In all the RQIA review made 20 recommendations and the Department is considering the action required. The Department is also urgently looking at how a sustainable breast-screening service can be provided across Northern Ireland given the current staff shortages.

The Minister said:"I believe that the improvements recommended in the RQIA report will contribute further to the quality of breast screening in Northern Ireland. However, there are lessons that need to be learned from this episode.

"I want to ensure that, as far as possible, this does not happen again. I will make any necessary changes to our systems to prevent this from happening. Patients must have access to the highest quality and safest health care available."

The Minister encouraged all women to continue to attend for breast screening. He said that the breast screening programme in NI had contributed significantly to the reduction in the number of women dying from breast cancer in the last 10 years.

Each year the screening programme detects up to 250 cases of breast cancer.

(SP)