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The publication of an external review of Jersey's Rheumatology Department – which uncovered evidence of "inappropriate prescribing" and "systemic governance problems" – has been pushed back until next year.
The Royal College of Physicians' report, which was initiated in April following concerns that some rheumatology patients were not receiving the best treatment, was expected at the end of September.
The Government confirmed that the draft report has now been received from the Royal College of Physicians, but explained that Health and Community Services will now conduct a fact check before sharing the findings of the report in the new year.
In May, initial findings from the Royal College of Physicians' report found evidence of "inappropriate prescribing" to some patients and poor record-keeping.
Pictured: Health Minister Karen Wilson admitted that the systemic governance problems in the rheumatology service are likely to be present in other parts of Health.
Health Minister Karen Wilson also admitted that this initial feedback highlighted "some systemic governance problems in the rheumatology service that are likely to be present in other parts of Health".
Following a recommendation from the Royal College of Physicians, the Health department also conducted its own audit of patient records in the rheumatology service.
Published in August, the preliminary findings of the audit of Rheumatology Department records said that more than 170 individuals did not meet the accepted criteria to be prescribed powerful drugs known as biologics which suppress the immune system and increase susceptibility to infection.
Pictured: Rheumatology deals with arthritis and several other conditions that affect the joints, tendons, muscle, ligaments.
Rheumatology patients said they were left feeling “frightened” and “in the dark” due to “shambolic” communication from Health after the audit's findings were made public.
It was confirmed that the two doctors at the centre of the review were "no longer undertaking clinical work".
At the time, Government officials declined to confirm whether the doctors were still officially employed or not but it later emerged that that senior rheumatology doctor Dr Michael Richardson's "clinical practice remains restricted as a result of a recent General Medical Council hearing".
Patients requiring further information about this matter are advised to contact the Patient Advisory and Liaison Service by email (pals@health.gov.je) or by telephone on 01534 443515.
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