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06
Sep 2019
Low dose chemotherapy given to Tayside patients prompts consistency pledge
Following the recent discovery that 304 NHS Tayside patients had been given lowered chemotherapy doses since December 2016 in an attempt to reduce side effects, which led to the death of 14 patients, an advisory group has been set up, recommending that patients be “explicitly informed” of any variance from conventional practice.
The Independent Advisory Group (IAG) and Immediate Review Group (IRG) published two reports following the discovery, the first of which stated that the decision to lower the dose lacked “challenge or consultation” and the second report measured the clinical risk from this practice variation.
The IRG stated that the decision meant that there was an increased risk of cancer returning for one patient each year.
Dr Catherine Calderwood, Chief Medical Officer, said “The health secretary has welcomed these recommendations and in adopting them we will help ensure that cancer patients across Scotland have access to the same high level of care and treatment, regardless of where they live.
“Delivering on recommendations on informed patient consent is essential so that all cancer patients have the same high level of informed involvement in decision making about their care.”
Professor Peter Stonebridge, medical director of NHS Tayside, said “Following concerns raised about variations in treatment in Tayside earlier this year, I can reassure patients that the same chemotherapy dosage regimes are being offered to patients in Tayside as in the rest of Scotland and all patients are fully informed about the options available to them.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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