The Health Service Executive (HSE) has apologised and has contacted the Data Protection Commissioner after a number of letters sent to patients in the northeast in relation to a review of health tests were sent to the wrong addresses.
Some 4,500 patients’ X-rays or CT scans are being reviewed after concerns were raised several months ago about the practice of a locum consultant radiologist who worked in Drogheda and Navan hospitals from August 2006 to August 2007.
Letters were posted on Wednesday from the hospitals to all of the patients involved, advising them that their chest X-ray or CT scan is being reviewed as part of a "look-back", the HSE said.
"The letters explain the reason for the look back, and confirm that each patient will be sent the result of their chest X-ray/CT scan review as soon as it is complete, over the coming eight weeks."
It said an outside company had been engaged to facilitate the process because of the "logistical challenge" of collating and posting letters to approximately 4,500 patients.
It said this was "common practice" in the health and wider public service and was done with "clear requirements" to safeguard patient privacy and in compliance with data protection principles.
"The HSE has learned today that a small number of letters have been misaddressed by the company who undertook this work on our behalf. The HSE is deeply disappointed at this failure to protect this very sensitive information and is in discussions with the company concerned in this regard," a HSE statement said.
"We have arranged for the correct information to be resent to all patients this afternoon and our staff are arranging to collect and retrieve information that was misaddressed. We have also notified the Data Protection Commissioner."
The HSE expressed "sincere apologies" for the error.
In one instance, a letter was reportedly addressed to a woman's husband who had died some months earlier.
A spokesman declined to say how many letters had been sent to incorrect addresses or recipients.
In the letter, signed by Hospital Network Manager Stephen Mulvany, the HSE describes the review as a "precautionary exercis" and apologises.
"However, based upon expert medical advice it is our expectation that in the vast majority of cases there will be no cause for concern," the letter adds.
In all, approximately 6,000 chest X-rays and approximately 70 CT scans reported on by the locum while working in Drogheda and Navan from August 2006 to August 2007 are to be reviewed to ascertain whether other significant clinical findings were missed.
Minister for Health Mary Harney said the review "will allow the HSE to establish if there was a clinical significance to the delayed diagnoses". She said the HSE has made contact with the families concerned and remains in regular contact with them to update them on progress and to offer any appropriate supports.
The HSE information line for those affected is 1850 24 1850 and is open from 10am to 6pm,