Prof Keane pulls the plug on 'Late Late' interview
Saturday September 27 2008
Michael Brennan Political Correspondent
THE HSE's cancer director pulled out of a planned 'Late Late Show' appearance last night due to the presence of cancer patients in the audience.
Prof Tom Keane had been scheduled to appear on the show to allay fears after a series of cancer misdiagnosis scandals, including the deaths of two women who mistakenly received the all-clear at Ennis General Hospital.
But he withdrew yesterday after he was informed that several cancer sufferers would be present in the audience to give their reaction to his one-on-one interview with host Pat Kenny. These victims were due to speak after a commercial break -- after Prof Keane had departed.
An RTE spokesman said that agreement had been reached about, Prof Keane's appearance but he had decided not to proceed due to the presence of patients in the audience.
Prof Keane is responsible for the development of eight cancer surgery 'centres of excellence', which will provide triple assessment to potential breast and other cancer sufferers.
An HSE spokeswoman said the format for his appearance was agreed during the week with 'the Late Late Show', so that anxieties of recent weeks could be allayed.
Assurances
"This is a complex and emotive issue and requires an appropriate forum for discussion. 'The Late Late Show' was not prepared to provide assurances on the type of format necessary, and so Professor Keane was not able to proceed," she said.
Prof Keane had initially cancelled plans to address a European breast cancer conference in Dublin last night, but decided to go there after his 'Late Late Show' pullout.
One of the patients present in the audience was Susan Kerwin, who yesterday revealed to the Irish Independent her nine-month delay between going to hospital and a cancer diagnosis.
She cannot have any more children because her womb was removed in March last year after a seven-centimetre tumour was found. Ms Kerwin said last night that she had since received a phone call from a senior HSE official, who promised her that the year-long review of her case would be completed within 10 days.
"He said he was very sorry about the delay. I'm delighted with the news," she said.
The young mother, who is living in Fedamore, Co Limerick, has two young sons, Shane (11) and Jake (10).
