A 56-year-old Co. Tipperary woman whose breast cancer was misdiagnosed 3 times is looking for damages in the High Court.

Olive Fahey of Rahinch, Littleton in Thurles is suing Barringtons Hospital in Limerick, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and various medical professionals for negligence.

Her case has prompted 2 reports: one concluded there was significant error by 2 medical practitioners at University Hospital Galway where the breast tissue samples were sent for analysis.

She told the High Court she greeted her first misdiagnosis with shock and disbelief ‘I was all geared up to be told it was cancer’ she said.

That was in autumn 2005 she was wrongly assured she did not have breast cancer on 2 further occasions before the correct diagnosis was made in March 2007.

She said the mastectomy that followed was devastating to her.

The court heard as a result of these mistakes her chance of survival more than halved and while she is currently in remission she is at high risk of the cancer recurring.

The question of liability is not being contested.

The role of the court now is to assess appropriate damages.

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