Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital faces cancer test scandal
By ArdeePost Reporter
Senator Alison Comyn calls for answers after misgraded pre-cancerous tests in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital
Shock and concern are mounting after revelations that a number of patient tests for pre-cancerous cells were incorrectly graded at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
It has emerged that one patient, initially told their result was “mild,” has since had it upgraded to “high” following a review of histopathology slides by an independent pathologist. The review, commissioned by the HSE Dublin and North East, is examining all slides linked to the work of one consultant between February and November 2024.
Senator Alison Comyn: “Patients deserve answers”
Senator Alison Comyn expressed her deep alarm at the findings, describing them as a “dreadful situation” that has left patients and families facing enormous stress.
“My heart goes out to every patient and family affected by this dreadful situation,” Senator Comyn said.
“Patients put their trust in our health system at the most vulnerable moments of their lives. That trust must never be broken. People deserve absolute confidence that when they seek care, they will receive the highest standards of safety and accuracy.”
She confirmed she will press health authorities for full transparency and accountability, adding that she is prepared to meet with patients and families to hear their experiences firsthand.
Our Lady of Lourdes Patients called to ‘open disclosure’ meetings
A number of patients are now being invited to attend open disclosure meetings, a process used by the HSE to inform patients of safety incidents, including misdiagnoses, near misses, or harm events.
In some cases, test results are being escalated to more serious categories, while in others, the grading has been reduced. The changes have left many families anxious and uncertain about future treatment.
HSE under pressure for answers
The HSE has come under criticism for its handling of the matter. According to reports, the HSE national office and regional communications team failed to respond promptly to media queries, only issuing a brief statement after repeated requests.
June Molloy, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for the HSE Dublin and North East, confirmed that the independent review is ongoing.
“This review is underway and any patients in relation to whom any findings are relevant will be contacted directly by the hospital. HSE Dublin and North East has provided necessary information to the HSE in line with the National Patient Safety Briefing Protocol,” she said.
Calls for stronger patient safety guarantees at Our Lady of Lourdes
The incident has reignited debate about patient safety in Irish hospitals and the importance of the HSE’s open disclosure policy.
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer at the HSE, has previously stressed the importance of openness and honesty when incidents occur:
“Open disclosure is a means of approaching a difficult situation in the most ethical and person-centred way. Honesty builds confidence. Patients and their families must always remain at the forefront of our approach to delivering care.”
A growing scandal
For patients and families directly impacted, however, assurances from officials may provide little comfort in the short term. Senator Comyn has promised to pursue the issue until clear answers and accountability are provided.
“Patients deserve answers, transparency and support. That is the least they are entitled to after such a devastating breach of trust.”
The independent review is ongoing, with further updates expected in the coming weeks.nnouncement that matches the scale of the problem.