The low-dose X-ray is used to detect early signs of breast cancer, with some tumours showing up on a mammogram two years before any lump can be felt. Detection this early can often spare victims from a mastectomy or chemotherapy.

In a statement given to the Cork Independent, Gerard O’Callaghan, Chief Executive at the South Infirmary said, “All women presenting to the South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital with a clinical suspicion of a breast malignancy (urgent cases) are normally seen on the same working day or, at most, within five working days.

“The hospital’s Consultant Radiologists review all GP referral letters requesting mammograms for patients and, on the basis of these letters, decide whether an urgent or a routine mammogram is required. It is imperative that the referring GP stipulates any relevant information/concerns about their patient so that the hospital can make an appointment based on all the facts relevant to the case. 

“A patient with no clinical indications of breast malignancy will be given the next routine appointment for a mammogram.  In excess of 4,500 mammograms are carried out at the South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital each year. Currently the routine waiting list extends up to May 2009.”

In response, Deputy Allen said, “This nails the lie that adequate breast check services are in place in Cork. It’s a scandalous situation and further underlines the apartheid in place between the public and the private. If she could pay this woman would have the mammogram on demand.

“GP’s don’t refer woman for the fun of it. They consider a number of factors, including family history and age. I don’t accept this explanation one bit. There was a similar case with the hospital before in which a woman, whose mother and sister had died of cancer, was also told that she would be waiting a year and a half for a mammogram. These people are taxpayers and, as such, are entitled to a service.”

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