Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party). It was answered on Tuesday, 22 November 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Herceptin

Question: I was delighted that the Northern Ireland Minister with responsibility for health has said that he will make Herceptin available for specific breast cancer sufferers in the Province. However, we have just had the disturbing disclosure that a radiographer in Northern Ireland has been suspended pending inquiries into whether the correct information was given to women after breast screening. Will the Minister tell the House what checks and balances are in place throughout the United Kingdom to prevent the unnecessary experience that 1,300 women in Northern Ireland are now facing in waiting to see whether they have been given the correct diagnosis?

Answer: It would clearly be inappropriate for me to comment on the particular case that the hon. Lady has highlighted, but I hope that she will be reassured that the NHS, whether here or in Northern Ireland, always takes great care to ensure that the right results are returned to patients. Occasionally, however, mistakes are made and the steps that she has described need to be taken. This is an extremely important issue, and it is absolutely right that the proper procedures should be in place to ensure that the right diagnosis is communicated.

Secondary information