The High Court has reserved judgment on an action for damages by a man who alleges there was an eight-month delay in diagnosing that he suffers from prostate cancer.
In proceedings against the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork, and Mr Peter Ryan, an urologist attached to the hospital, Mr David Philip claims his life expectancy may have been reduced by several years as a result of the alleged delay in diagnosis. Both defendants deny the claims.
Mr Philip (55), an accountant and financial adviser, said he believes he is now looking at a possible one or two years of life whereas it could have been several years if he had been diagnosed earlier and received appropriate treatment.
The court was told Mr Philip had lived in Saudi Arabia and was admitted to the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork in June 2001 under the care of Mr Ryan. At the time of his admission, Mr Philip, who lives in Cleveland, England, was visiting his wife's home in Midleton, Co Cork.
The defendants deny any negligence and plead contributory negligence on the part of the plaintiff for allegedly failing to have a serum PSA measurement carried out in the Middle East in August 2001 when directed by Mr Ryan to do so and failing to make any contact with Mr Ryan between July 12th 2001 and December 12th, 2001.
In addition, the defendants claims the plaintiff failed to provide an address so that he could be communicated with promptly.