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The Health Department has hired a new full-time Head of Rheumatology, after a review uncovered evidence of "inappropriate prescribing" to some patients and poor record-keeping.
Dr Sofia Tosounidou, who trained in the Medical School at the University of Ioannina in Greece, will join on 17 July.
Health Minister Karen Wilson also confirmed yesterday in the States Assembly that the ongoing audit of about 340 patient records, which was recommended by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) as part of its review into Jersey's Rheumatology Service, is due to be completed by the end of July.
It emerged earlier this year that governance problems were likely to be present across the department, after a review found evidence of poor record-keeping and "inappropriate prescribing" of a group of drugs known as 'biologics'.
Now, Deputy Wilson has said that patients whose medical notes are being audited have been seen personally and their present care and treatment has been "reviewed by professionally trained, specialist rheumatologists to ensure it is appropriate."
Pictured: Health Minister Karen Wilson said that the review of the Island's rheumatology department was progressing.
The patient note audit is intended to check that in the period before January 2022 these patients were accurately diagnosed and properly treated.
She continued: "After the completion of the review at the end of July, the results need to be quality assured, and the findings confirmed regarding inappropriate prescribing of biologic agents.
"While I'm not aware of any concerns of inappropriate prescribing in any other services in Health and Community Services, the report into clinical governance published last year highlights the scale of the improvements that are required so that we can be assured that we have the high quality and safe healthcare that Islanders deserve."
Deputy Sam Mézec asked what Deputy Wilson's team were currently doing to assess whether those same issues which caused the problems with rheumatology existed in other healthcare services.
Deputy Wilson responded that while workstreams to ensure appropriate management were in the process of being established, she was also "delighted" that they had recruited a new head of rheumatology.
Pictured: The findings about rheumatology patients emerged in April.
Dr Tosounidou was previously Consultant Rheumatologist at the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and has been on the General Medical Council's Specialist Rheumatology Register since January 2015.
Deputy Wilson said that Dr Tosounidou's appointment "will now provide the leadership, reassurance and quality of care our patients deserve and I am grateful for the insight and support she is already providing for us."
Dr Tosounidou, Consultant Rheumatologist (FRCP, UK) said "I am very much looking forward to leading the Rheumatology Service in Jersey and working with colleagues within the service and patients affected by rheumatic conditions to deliver evidence-based, comprehensive and personalised care."
Maureen Parris, Chair of Jersey Arthritis Society, added that the Jersey Arthritis Association "warmly welcomes the appointment of a Consultant Rheumatologist to head up the service in Jersey. Meanwhile, with respect to the audit of patient notes, it is imperative that this is completed professionally and thoroughly. Of course, we all want the answers as quickly as possible but it's important we ensure the answers are right."
Review suggests "inappropriate" prescribing of medication for rheumatology patients
“Rheumatology patients deserve better” - records to be audited
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