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Jersey's radiology department could face a lawsuit from patients who recently discovered that they were misdiagnosed or their cancer could have been detected earlier.
It was revealed last week that the Hospital had to recall 20 women for breast cancer screening and review more than 2,700 scans over fears that a radiologist misdiagnosed patients.
The radiologist has not been named by Health.
Pictured: The Hospital had to recall 20 women for breast cancer screening and review more than 2,700 scans over fears that a radiologist misdiagnosed patients.
The department also had to apologise to a further 14 women whose breast cancer diagnosis could have been detected earlier.
As a result, some women’s cancer treatment was delayed by as much as a year.
Law firm Viberts confirmed that it had been contacted by potential claimants affected by the radiology department misdiagnoses, but was unable to confirm numbers at this stage.
Viberts is also dealing with potential legal claims against the Hospital’s rheumatology department after it emerged in January that hundreds of patients were given drugs they did not need or were misdiagnosed.
Last month, a spokesperson for Viberts said the law firm was currently handling more than 250 individual rheumatology enquiries – including some from the families of patients who died whilst under the care of the Health Department.
Thirteen formal letters of claim have been put forward so far.
Pictured: Health Minister Tom Binet admitted that “there are other issues in radiology under scrutiny at the moment”.
A review of radiology services was conducted by Royal College Radiologists in January, which revealed infighting between staff in the radiology department, and a complaint by a member of Hospital staff about a radiologist who wrongly interpreted the results of breast cancer scans.
A separate review of breast radiology services was conducted by British Society Breast Radiologists in March.
Health Minister Tom Binet also admitted in the States Assembly that “there are other issues in radiology under scrutiny at the moment”.
Patients requiring further information about this matter are advised to contact the Patient Advisory and Liaison Service by email on pals@health.gov.je or by telephone on 01534 443515.
If you believe you have a legal claim against the radiology department you can contact Giles Emmanuel from Viberts on 01534 632238 or email giles.emmanuel@viberts.com.
Tip of the iceberg? “Other issues” in radiology under scrutiny after breast screening shock
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