Concerns grow over cancer tests

Thursday, 20 November 2008 00:00

From the Frome Times 20 November 2008

A medical review has shown that three out of four patients who underwent tests for cancer and bowel conditions at Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre, including many from Frome and the surrounding area, have had to seek further consultation as some of the results were shown to be 'incomplete'.

The problem is much worse than first thought as more cases have come to light since the story was revealed by Frome Times earlier this month.

One Frome patient, whose story was reported in Frome Times, had the procedure done in February last year but will only know this month if she was clear.

Stuart Bramley is a clinical negligence solicitor based in Exeter who is advising some of those affected. He said, "A client of mine is one of the many who were told they needed to seek further consultation. After receiving the letter, he immediately called the hotline that had been set up and nobody answered so he left a message. He never heard back from anybody, which is obviously concerning."

Out of 1,828 patients who underwent colonoscopies at the hospital over a two and a half year period, only 480 have been given a definite 'all clear'. Many of the remaining patients have had to undergo further tests following doubts about the accuracy of some of the results.

External assessors from JAG (Joint Advisory Group) reviewed 1,828 procedures and, in 5% of cases, recommended that the patient should have a follow up investigation as a priority.

A spokesperson for Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre told Frome Times, "We can confirm that, apart from the 5% whom the assessors recommended have a priority follow up, there are a further 480 cases where the assessors have recommended a follow up investigation may be required over varying timescales of between 0 to 4 years."

The assessors also recommended that around 755 patients should either see or speak to their GP.

"We wrote to all patients whose medical records were being reviewed to let them know the background and purpose of the independent review, as well as setting up a confidential patient information line for them to call with any questions. We also contacted these patients' GPs to inform them that the review was taking place. When the review was completed, we then contacted all patients and their GPs once again to let them know the outcome of the review and the external assessors' findings." The spokesperson added, "It is important to bear in mind that patients with suspected cancer are not referred to Shepton Mallet Treatment Centre, but to a district hospital specialist."

In March this year, the treatment centre received a letter from a local consultant querying the colonoscopy performed on his patient. An internal investigation ensued, as did an independent external assessment of a sample of the particular surgeon's procedures.

The spokesperson explained, "In April, we suspended the surgeon concerned, pending the external assessor's review of a sample of his colonoscopies. In May, the external assessor began his review and the consultant concerned resigned from Shepton Mallet Treatment Centre.

"In July, with support from Somerset PCT and advice from the Department of Health, the decision was taken to review all 1,828 procedures."

In September, as results were received, patients were contacted and the treatment centre and a colonoscopy 'hotline' was set up for GPs and patients. Letters were sent out to patients and a fast track booking system made available to those for whom priority follow-up was recommended.

"The independent review did not conclude that there was evidence of misdiagnosis, but it did conclude that some of the procedures were not as complete as they could have been. It is important to state that, although the colonoscopy may not be as complete as it should have been, that only gives part of the picture. It is a snapshot of the patient's colon at the time the procedure was undertaken and there will have been ongoing surveillance and care in response to patients' ongoing symptoms.
"All costs will be met by UK Special Hospitals, so there will be no cost to the public purse."

Compensation Solicitor Stuart Bramley told Frome Times that many people involved in the review may not be aware that they could seek compensation.

"In terms of numbers, this seems to be quite a big case. Sometimes people just don't think about seeking compensation and something like cancer in an embarrassing place can put people off. If anybody would like to speak to me for advice about any legal remedies, possibly including compensation, they can contact me on 01392 667659 or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "

Courtesy of the Frome Times 20 November 2008