14.08.2014
The decision to recall the women for reassessment comes after five patients developed the disease following screening by the same doctor. The review showed the 30 women require “urgent appointments” to ensure any abnormalities have been picked up.
A “serious incident” inquiry has been launched by NHS England Thames Valley, the NHS Breast Screening Programme and the Trust.
All the women, aged between 50 and 70, were screened by the Oxfordshire Breast Screening Service (OBSS) within the last three years and would not normally be asked to return to a further screening for three more years.
Dr Tony Berendt, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust interim medical director, said: "Our first priority is to review the 30 women who may have had an insufficient assessment at their last visit.
"We are extremely sorry for the anxiety that will no doubt be caused to women who have had to be recalled and we will be offering them every support throughout this process."
A Serious Incident Investigation Is Underway At The Trust
Thirty women in Oxfordshire are to be reassessed for breast cancer after the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust reviewed the cases of 626 women seen between 2011 and 2014.The decision to recall the women for reassessment comes after five patients developed the disease following screening by the same doctor. The review showed the 30 women require “urgent appointments” to ensure any abnormalities have been picked up.
A “serious incident” inquiry has been launched by NHS England Thames Valley, the NHS Breast Screening Programme and the Trust.
All the women, aged between 50 and 70, were screened by the Oxfordshire Breast Screening Service (OBSS) within the last three years and would not normally be asked to return to a further screening for three more years.
Dr Tony Berendt, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust interim medical director, said: "Our first priority is to review the 30 women who may have had an insufficient assessment at their last visit.
"We are extremely sorry for the anxiety that will no doubt be caused to women who have had to be recalled and we will be offering them every support throughout this process."
Expert Opinion
The recall of 30 women who were screened for breast cancer by the same doctor is extremely troubling. It is vital all women who have been screened by the Trust are reassured that the highest possible standard of care is in place. <br/> <br/>“Early diagnosis is crucial to ensure timely implementation of treatment, which can significantly improve the chances of survival for many types of cancer. The review has found that some of these women may have missed out on vital treatment because their screening was not carried out correctly. <br/> <br/>“We welcome the investigation currently being carried out and it is important any failing identified are resolved immediately and disciplinary action taken if required. We would also urge the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust to reveal the name of the doctor in question to prevent women who are not at risk being unnecessarily concerned and to ensure those who were treated by the doctor are aware of the need to seek support and additional screening.” Auriana Griffiths - Partner
Key Contact
Press Contact
