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A scrutiny panel is seeking answers from the Health Minister as to why it was not told about a radiology scandal which saw 20 women recalled for breast screenings amid fears that a radiologist misdiagnosed them.
Deputy Tom Binet, who was recently sent a letter from the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel, said he was carrying out a review to ensure there is a "proper communications process" in place.
It emerged last month that the Hospital had to recall 20 women for breast cancer screening and review more than 2,700 scans over fears that a radiologist misdiagnosed patients.
Pictured: Health had to review more than 2,700 scans over fears that a radiologist misdiagnosed patients.
The department also had to apologise to a further 14 women whose breast cancer diagnosis could have been detected earlier.
As a result, some women’s cancer treatment was delayed by as much as a year.
In a letter sent to Deputy Binet earlier this week, lead Health and Social Security scrutineer Deputy Louise Doublet said her panel was "keen to ascertain further information" on the matter – including an explanation as to why it wasn't told about it "in confidence".
Pictured: The Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel's letter to Health Minister Tom Binet.
Speaking to Express, Deputy Doublet said that Deputy Binet "should have made the panel aware".
She explained: "There is a general expectation among scrutiny chairs and panel members that ministers should keep them appraised, in confidence if necessary, as to any significant matters that fall under their portfolio as this is in the public interest."
Deputy Doublet also thanked the staff who raised the issue.
Pictured: Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel chair Deputy Louise Doublet said Deputy Binet "should have made the panel aware".
Deputy Binet said that he planned to issue a formal response to Deputy Doublet's letter.
However, he added: "In my view, patient care is the most important.
"That said, it is important that we have a proper communications process in place and at the moment I am carrying out a review of that process."
The Health Minister also admitted last week that “there are other issues in radiology under scrutiny at the moment”.
He said that he expected to make this findings public at the end of the month.
Radiology is not the only area currently in the spotlight – an ongoing review into the deaths of 182 former Rheumatology patients has so far seen at least five cases referred to the Viscount as the deaths could be linked to the treatment the patients received.
During a recent sitting of the States Assembly, Deputy Binet stressed that it was “well known that all areas of the Hospital will be reviewed over the course of time”.
“It’s inevitable that more problems will be found in certain areas,” he said.
Pictured: Deputy Tom Binet said patient care was "the most important" but acknowledged that there should be a "proper communications process".
Independent reviewers have also been invited to examine at least three other areas of Health.
A review of Orthopaedic Surgery and Theatres was due to be conducted in April, and a review of Neurology by the Royal College of Physicians has also been commissioned.
The independent board responsible for overseeing Health's operations also requested a review of General Surgical Acute on-call services back in September. That review was due to take place in April.
Tip of the iceberg? “Other issues” in radiology under scrutiny after breast screening shock
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