Rheumatology patients harmed by powerful drugs wrongly prescribed to them are still in the dark about how or when they will be compensated, it has emerged – but the Government has set aside another £1m to continue assessing how to deal with the scandal.

The money will be used to complete the review of deaths since 2019, ensure appropriate wellbeing support is provided to loved ones of deceased patients, and extend the review to include patients who died before 2019.

Information made public in a recent update about the ongoing review of the rheumatology department​ revealed that funding for 2025 had been approved at a “lower level than previous years”.

Following queries from Express, the Government confirmed that £1m been set aside this year to continue the review into past care and treatment from the rheumatology service.

A spokesperson said: “This funding will allow for the completion of the review of deaths since 2019 and will ensure appropriate wellbeing support is provided to loved ones of deceased patients.

“The funding will also be used to extend the review of deceased patients prior to 2019, as requested by the Viscount.”

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Pictured: Former Health Chief Officer Chris Bown with the Royal College of Physicians’ review of Jersey’s rheumatology service.

At the end of 2023, it emerged that the Government set aside £1.3m of funding for “costs related to a rheumatology incident”, and another £1.1m was set aside in 2024 to support ongoing changes in the rheumatology department.

Potential legal claims against the Hospital’s rheumatology department started gathering pace last year after it emerged that hundreds of patients were given drugs they did not need or were misdiagnosed.

The issues were unearthed following a review by the Royal College of Physicians, which described the standard of care as “well below what the review team would consider acceptable” for a contemporary rheumatological service.

At the start of this year, it emerged that meetings had been held with relatives of over 30 deceased rheumatology patients whose deaths could be linked to the treatment they received, it has emerged.

A spokesperson for Viberts said the law firm has had over 200 individual enquiries from rheumatology patients.

But lawyers said they have not yet had details from the Health Minister and insurers about how or when the claims will be resolved.

Pictured: Law firm Viberts is dealing with over 200 individual enquiries from islanders affected by the rheumatology scandal.

In a statement provided to Express, the firm said: “Viberts has had over 200 enquiries, and numerous letters of claim have been issued to the Minister for Health and the insurers of the two consultants involved.

“Numerous clients have received ‘duty of candour’ letters on behalf of the Minister, apologising for the physical harm caused as a result of being misdiagnosed or mistreated.

“But the harm goes beyond physical harm, with many traumatised by their unnecessary treatment and its long-term effects on their health.

“We are obtaining expert reports for clients confirming negligent treatment and on the wrongful damage caused to the individuals over years.

“We have yet still to hear from the Minister and insurers how or when the claims will be resolved.”

Rheumatology patients will have until 2027 to take legal action after the Health Minister agreed to extend the usual time limit for claims.

The States of Jersey Police are also working closely with the Viscount’s Office to assess whether a criminal investigation is required.

SUPPORT…

Patients requiring further information about this matter are advised to contact the Patient Advisory and Liaison Service by email (pals@health.gov.je) or by telephone on 01534 443515.

If you believe you have a clinical negligence claim against the Jersey Rheumatology Department you can contact Viberts on 01534 632283 or email disputeresolution@viberts.com.