Woman protests over cancer screening delay

A cancer sufferer has written a letter of protest over the delay in getting the result of a mammogram at Sligo General Hospital…

A cancer sufferer has written a letter of protest over the delay in getting the result of a mammogram at Sligo General Hospital. Ann McGowan, of Erne Dale, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and had a lump removed from her breast.

Ms McGowan had a routine mammogram, which is part of an annual check-up procedure, carried out on May 28th, but when the results weren't sent for several weeks she phoned the hospital and was told to attend the oncology unit last week.

When she arrived, she discovered the mammogram revealed an abnormality on her other breast and a further examination and scan were required. However, there were no arrangements for them to be carried out. She was told to go home and an appointment would be made for a later date. Ms McGowan protested and refused to leave the hospital without the mammogram being done there and then.

"I couldn't believe that with my history they were insisting on further delays. They were playing around with my life again. I wasn't having it."

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After arguments with medical staff, the hospital finally agreed that she could have the mammogram and scan the same day. They showed the cancer had not returned and her fears were eased. Ms McGowan has written a letter of complaint to the hospital and HSE West chairman, Sligo councillor Declan Bree. She also wants to know why she did not get her mammogram results for a month and then only after she went looking for them.

Additionally, she wants to known why the scan and second mammogram were not arranged for last week when the hospital knew they were needed and that she had an appointment at the oncology clinic. Why, when they knew her history, were they sending her home to wait another few weeks for a new appointment?

A spokesperson for HSE West said Sligo General Hospital is examining the issues "and the hospital will be responding to her directly".