TWO more Dublin GPs told the tribunal that their patients became ill with jaundice in 1977. They were convinced there was a link to their having received antiD following birth. Four Dublin doctors have now given this evidence to the tribunal.
Dr Peter Conlon, a GP in Rathfarnham, Dublin, said he treated a woman known as CK with jaundice in November 1977. He suspected the diagnosis was hepatitis. He sent a blood sample to the BTSB for testing, accompanied by a letter explaining her situation.
Dr Conlon said he had a note of a conversation he had with Dr Terry Walsh of the BTSB concerning this woman and her suspected hepatitis. He was asked to send in a blood sample.
Liver function tests showed the woman's liver enzymes were mildly raised, which confirmed hepatitis to him. He assumed it could have been hepatitis A since tests ruled out hepatitis B. The BTSB form stating the woman was hepatitis B negative was signed by the former national director of the BTSB, Dr Jack O'Riordan.
Dr Conlon confirmed to Mr Rory Brady, counsel for the tribunal, that he received no further communication from the BTSB about this matter.
Dr Sean O'Toole from Baldoyle also treated a woman, HOS, for jaundice. She had been treated with anti D on May 19th, 1977, at the Rotunda. He contacted the hospital which said it would notify the BTSB about the case. However, he recalls no communication from the board.
A second patient, KB, had similar symptoms. Again the connection was made with anti D. Dr O'Toole decided to contact the BTSB himself. He spoke to Dr J.P. O'Riordan in November 1977. He voiced his concerns and said he had spoken to other doctors with similar patients.
Dr John Lennon, a consultant gastroenterologist at the Mater Hospital, also gave evidence of treating two patients referred to him who had jaundice after receiving anti D.