New data from the HSE shows that mistakes in reading medical scans have led to significant harm, including deaths and disability. Between 2020 and 2024, there were a total of 193 such cases, with 24 classified as major or extreme incidents that can result in long-term incapacity, brain damage or death. An additional 67 cases were deemed moderate and 102 were minor.
The full Irish Examiner article can be read here.
These figures are particularly concerning as they highlight a fundamental breakdown in the diagnostic process. Of the most serious cases, 15 led to recommendations aimed at improving patient safety, demonstrating that the mistakes were not isolated but part of a larger systemic problem.
In response to the data, the HSE's Majella Daly of the National Centre for Clinical Audit acknowledged that errors in radiology are "uncomfortably common," occurring at an estimated rate of 3-5% of studies reported. However, the HSE was quick to state that these errors do not always equate to medical negligence, citing both "human- and system-derived" reasons for their occurrence. This distinction, while legally relevant, does little to mitigate the worry for patients who are harmed as a result.
The HSE's National Radiology Quality Improvement (NRQI) Programme aims to address these issues through peer review and education. However, it does not deal with individual cases or patients, meaning personal data is not collected. This approach is problematic as it risks overlooking the need for direct communication and transparency with those who have been affected.
The figures from the HSE are a stark reminder of the importance of open disclosure and patient-centred communication. As the cervical cancer scandal taught us, transparency is not optional; it is a duty. The failure to inform patients of potential mistakes not only violates their right to know but also erodes trust in the healthcare system.
At Whelan Law, we believe that every patient has a right to an accurate diagnosis and that, in the event of an error, they deserve to be fully informed. This recent data emphasises the ongoing need for robust, transparent and standardised safety oversight in Irish hospitals. We will continue to advocate for a healthcare system where every patient is treated with accountability and dignity.