The Health Information and Quality Authority has deferred publication of the Rebecca O’Malley report until next month. It had been anticipated that the report would be published on Monday, (17 December). 

The Authority is investigating the circumstances surrounding the provision of care to Rebecca O’Malley, in relation to her symptomatic breast disease, the Pathology Services at Cork University Hospital and Symptomatic Breast Disease Services at Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.

Dr. Michael Durkin, who is heading the investigation team, said that new information had been brought to the attention of the Authority and the investigation team in the last few days which needs further investigation.

“It would be premature to publish the report now and make recommendations, without fully investigating the new information which has come to light. In keeping with our terms of reference, and in the public interest, we are now deferring the publication of our final report until next month”, he said.

Dr Tracey Cooper, CEO of the Authority said; “This is a very important investigation, not only for Rebecca O’Malley, who deserves to know the full circumstances surrounding her mis-diagnosis for symptomatic breast disease, but for all women undergoing treatment for breast disease both now and in the future. Women should not be concerned by this delay – we need to investigate this new information in the interest of assuring that all concerns are thoroughly addressed as part of the investigation”.

Dr Cooper added; “We appreciate the level of public interest in the findings of this investigation and ask for their continued patience. No findings will be issued, or recommendations made by the Authority, until such time as the investigation team has concluded its work”.

Ends.

Further Information: 

Marty Whelan, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

01 8047651 / 086 2447623 mwhelan@hiqa.ie