More than 8,000 breast examinations are to be reassessed after a consultant radiologist in the North dealing with breast cancer was suspended amid concerns over his clinical judgment.
Checks are currently under way at three Northern hospitals where the radiologist worked, while 44 women are being recalled immediately for further breast examinations at Antrim Area Hospital, it was announced yesterday.
At Antrim Area Hospital 5,000 cases in which the consultant was involved are being reassessed. The City Hospital, Belfast, is re-examining 2,000 cases, while Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry is reassessing 1,000 examinations.
Antrim Area Hospital is recalling 44 women for assessment after a review of just 500 patients. The action was taken after staff at this hospital expressed concern about the consultant's clinical judgment.
The doctor was responsible for assessing mammograms on his own at the Antrim hospital. He worked as part of a team at the other two hospitals.
The North's health minister Shaun Woodward said more women might be recalled based on the reassessments. He has asked Dr Robin Wilson, director of breast-screening quality assurance in the East Midlands in England, to carry out an investigation into the consultant's work.
"I recognise the huge concern and anxiety that will be raised by this matter. I want to reassure all women who have used the breast screening service that we believe this to be an isolated set of incidents related to one consultant."
He said he and the hospitals wanted to reassure the public that these measures were precautionary, and that the risks to patients were low.
