Concerns that patients at a hospital trust were misdiagnosed have prompted an independent review of 3,500 cancer tests, it has been revealed.
One woman tested at the laboratories of the University Hospitals Bristol foundation trust was allegedly cleared by the screening but went on to develop terminal breast cancer. Meanwhile, others were said to have been wrongly told they did have cancer and given treatment.
Pathologists first raised concerns in 2007 over the accuracy of results for patients being tested for skin, respiratory, breast and gynaecological problems at the trust`s laboratories.
Now, following advice from the Royal College of Pathologists, the trust has confirmed it will review 3,500 cases dating back to 2007 in an audit that is expected to take at least 10 weeks. Each case will be checked by two independent specialist pathologists.
The trust`s medical director, Dr Jonathan Sheffield, said: “I am confident about the quality of our pathology services and there is no evidence to confirm a significant error rate.
“However, I take any allegations over clinical performance extremely seriously and therefore this review is necessary to reassure patients and the public that they can have confidence in our pathology services.”
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