REVIEW REVEALS ‘NO CLINICAL CONCERNS’ AFTER HOSPITAL BLUNDER

Last month, My Watford News reported that an administrative blunder by West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust had led to concerns regarding the care of cancer patients at Watford and Hemel Hempstead hospitals. The trust has today announced that a review into its referral and care pathways for patients with suspected cancer is complete. A total of 810 people had their care reviewed.  Of these, 686 were quickly told that there were no clinical concerns about the care they received. The outstanding 121 cases have been completed and all of the patients have been contacted to say there are no clinical concerns about the care they received in relation to the review. Samantha Jones, Chief Executive of the trust, says: “I am pleased to be able to confirm that we have now completed the review of the remaining patients and I am glad that no clinical concerns were identified.  However, I would like to apologise again for any unnecessary distress we have caused. “In addition, I would like to reiterate that we have made significant changes to help prevent this type of error happening again.  This includes implementing a new information system to track each patient’s appointment, missed appointments and cancellations.” All patients affected by this review have been contacted.  However, if you have any concerns contact the dedicated information line 01923 217 100 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or visit your GP.