Number Of Patients Affected By HSE Glitch Relatively Low Says North Clare Doctor

A North Clare Doctor believes the number of patients affected by a HSE computer error is likely to be relatively low.

It comes as it’s emered that thousands of patients have been given the wrong results because of a software glitch which meant that some x-rays and ultrasounds seemed worse than they were.

Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports:

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The HSE is trying to ease fears after it was revealed that thousands of people who had routine X-rays and ultrasound exams over the past six years could have been given the wrong results.

The problem has been blamed on the software used to archive scan images – the mathematical symbol for ‘less than’, disappeared from many files making symptoms look bigger than they were.

The error has already been corrented and National Clinical Advisor with the HSE, Dr Colm Henry says steps are being taken to assess the risk to patients.

It’s claimed that some patients may have received the wrong treatment as a result of the glitch, but the health authority has promised alternative treatment for anyone who needs it.

A North Clare GP has expressed disappointment over the software error but has moved to reassure patients, saying the numbers affected are likely to be very low.

IMO GP Committee Member, Lahinch Dr Michael Kelleher is urging anyone concerned to remain calm.

The GP service hasn’t yet received offical communication fro the HSE on the issue.

But Stephen Mc Mahon of the Irish Patients Association says it’s important that this happens soon.