The Health Service Executive (HSE) has apologised to the family of John McNeive of County Mayo and made a settlement of €102,000 after a two-year delay in diagnosing cancer. The settlement was for the metal stress to the family caused by the delayed diagnosis.
John McNeive was first referred for testing to University College Hospital in Galway in April 2003 by his GP, who continued to be concerned with McNeive’s condition during the diagnosis delay. McNeive was also tested in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. A malignant tumour was identified in August 2004 using CT scan at Beaumont Hospital. For some unexplained reason, follow-up appointments were not provided and the recommended biopsy was not conducted. Cancer of the neck was eventually diagnosed in April 2005.
The HSE apologised to the family for the delay, hurt, and distress caused by the delayed diagnosis.