Thousands of cases are being re-examined

About 8,000 examinations at three NI hospitals were ordered after the radiologist was suspended.

However, initial checks made on breast screening records at a Londonderry hospital have shown the assessments made by the consultant were correct.

Altnagelvin Hospital said it was satisfied the original diagnosis on 11 significant patients had been correct.

Checks are also under way at Belfast City and Antrim Hospitals where the doctor worked.

Antrim Hospital said 5,000 cases in which the consultant had had some involvement are to be reassessed.

Belfast City Hospital said 2,000 cases would be reviewed .

The consultant was employed at Altnagelvin until 2003.

At a news conference on Monday, Health Minister Shaun Woodward and representatives of the three hospitals said they wanted to assure the public that the measures being taken were precautionary and the risk to patients of a mistake having been made was low.

The health minister said he wanted to assure the public

The health minister has asked Dr Robin Wilson, director of Breast Screening Quality Assurance in the East Midlands, to lead an investigation into the consultant's work.

Helplines have been set up for anyone concerned about their breast screening result.