Irish Nurse Sues HSE Over Alleged Breast Cancer Diagnosis Delay
A nurse is suing the Health Service Executive (HSE) in the High Court, alleging a delay in the diagnosis of her breast cancer. Aine McSweeney, a mother of three from Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, claims that mammograms conducted in 2020 and 2022 were incorrectly interpreted as benign, leading to a delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Details of the Case
McSweeney, 52, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and subsequently underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The lawsuit alleges that mammograms performed at the Breast Clinic in University Hospital Waterford in 2020 and 2022 should have been reported as indeterminate due to the presence of clustered calcifications.
According to the proceedings, had the mammograms been correctly interpreted, an investigation and subsequent treatment would have been initiated sooner. The nurse’s legal team argues that the cancer was detectable as early as 2020, becoming more apparent in 2022.
Differing Expert Opinions
The HSE denies the claims, and the High Court has heard that there is a disagreement between radiological experts regarding the interpretation of the mammograms. Judge Paul Coffey is tasked with determining whether a breach of duty occurred on the part of the HSE concerning the mammograms carried out at University Hospital Waterford.
Family History and Early Detection
McSweeney’s barrister, John O’Mahony, noted that the patient has a family history of breast cancer. He emphasized that the cluster of calcifications was located in the same area where the cancer was ultimately found. Counsel argued that earlier diagnosis would have allowed for more timely and appropriate treatment, and that many breast cancers are initially diagnosed based on the detection of clusters before a lump is palpable.
Legal Representation
McSweeney is represented by John O’Mahony, Cian O’Mahony, and solicitor Brigid O’Donnell. The case is ongoing.
Related Settlement
In a separate case, the family of a woman who died from breast cancer after a delayed diagnosis received a substantial settlement and a public apology from the HSE, as reported by Sean Fitzgerald on LinkedIn. Source
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