Further delays in introducing centres of excellence for cancer treatment could increase the risk of other misdiagnosis scandals, the author of the Government's cancer strategy has said.
Prof Niall O'Higgins, chairman of the group which drew up the report for symptomatic breast cancer services in 2000, said the delay in introducing recommendations was undermining public trust and increasing the risk of similar scandals.
"It has been known since that report was drawn up exactly what was required to minimise diagnostic error, minimise delay and to provide as good a system as possible.
"I've got to say there has been an inordinate delay in putting these structures in place and they are not in place yet."
Prof O'Higgins said that every centre treating patients with cancer should have an audit system in place to assess treatment at every stage of the clinical path and that the centres should be measured by external review.
Speaking to Newstalk in response to the publication of three reports into the cancer misdiagnosis scandal at Portlaoise hospital, Prof O'Higgins said it was important that the man attempting to develop the service, Prof Tom Keane, be given time and support.
"He requires all the support we can give in order that these centres be established quickly and speedily from now on without delay and with a clear timeframe for action.
"He has to have specific and dedicated funding because he knows what is needed. Otherwise this thing will drag on and on, public confidence will suffer more and more and trust will disappear."
Prof O'Higgins said he did not believe it was necessary that anyone within the HSE should resign over the Portlaoise scandal.
"I don't see any merit or advantage in that. You have to look at this as a national problem where solutions are there. Looking for an individual's head to roll I don't think is to focus on the need."
