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Sligo and Letterkenny patients affected by HSE computer error

Claire Mulcahy -
Sligo and Letterkenny patients affected by HSE computer error

Sligo and Letterkenny university hospitals are among those affected after the identification of a flaw with records of medical tests in the HSE's computer systems.

At least 25,000 x-rays, MRIs, CTs and ultrasounds taken across the country since 2011 are affected by the error.

The problem arises because the 'less than' symbol '<', when used in a report, was omitted and is not visible.

It is not known to what extent patients may be affected but an invesigation is underway.

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It's understood the majority of test reports are not affected, including reports sent electronically to GP practices.

Sligo woman Caitriona McGoldrick is a cancer survivor; she has been telling Ocean FM News her personal experience of the anxiety that's caused when uncertainty arises over tests:

[audio mp3="https://img.oceanfm.ie/prod/uploads/2017/08/mcgoldrick03.mp3"][/audio]

Meanwhile, the HSE says the computer error poses a 'relatively low risk' to patients.

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Dr Colm Henry is National Clinical Advisor with the HSE:

[audio mp3="https://img.oceanfm.ie/prod/uploads/2017/08/12henry-hse-alt-clip-mmm.mp3"][/audio]

Claire Mulcahy -