Hundreds of patients have had to be recalled after errors were discovered in the work of three locum radiologists employed by the HSE.

It is understood that thousands of the radiologists' X-rays and scans have had to be reviewed and at least one patient has had a delayed cancer diagnosis as a result.

According to a report in the Irish Times, none of the radiologists work in Ireland anymore, but all have been reported to the Medical Council after concerns were raised by colleagues.

Three main hospitals are affected - Bantry General, Kerry General and Cavan Monaghan Hospital. All three locums worked in these hospitals. However one of the locums also went on to work in four other hospitals - Connolly Hospital in Dublin, Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda, Wexford General and Roscommon Hospital.

Bantry General appears to be the worst affected hospital. Almost 4,400 scans and X-rays from the period May to September 2013 have been reviewed. One patient had a late cancer diagnosis as a result. It has been reported that this patient is still alive.

Meanwhile, almost 3,000 X-rays and scans carried out in Cavan Monaghan Hospital were also reviewed, however it is understood, no ‘serious' adverse outcomes were recorded.

Just six patients had to be recalled at Kerry General and no harm events were reported.

The HSE is in contact with all patients who require a follow-up. Anyone who has not been contacted by their hospital or GP has no cause for concern, it said.