Concerns Raised Over Relationship Between Trusts

A medical law expert at Irwin Mitchell has welcomed the findings of an inquiry which considered potential incidences of misdiagnosis by the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.

Jonathan Peacock of Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol office has said that lessons need to be learnt following the release of the results of the investigation, which was originally commissioned in June 2009.

According to the Press Association, the inquiry considered a range of issues, including 26 cases of alleged misdiagnosis, related to tissue pathology services undertaken by the trust at the Bristol Royal Infirmary and other sites.

It has been announced there is “no evidence” of the provision of an unsafe service, although it has been suggested that University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and North Bristol NHS Trust have a “strained relationship”.

The inquiry recommended that a unified histopathology service needs to be established in the area.

Commenting on the inquiry, Jonathan Peacock said: “It is welcome news that the results of this investigation have finally been released and particularly pleasing that the competency of staff has not been called into question.

“However, the inquiry has raised issues in relation to the working relationship of two Bristol trusts and I urge both organisations to be transparent in their work together in a way which will benefit all patients.

“I also hope that other NHS Trusts carefully consider the findings of the inquiry and ensure that all of the processes they have in place for tissue pathology services meet the required standard.

“Patient safety must always be a priority for the NHS and it is vital that lessons are learnt from this inquiry.”