Patients die after breach of NHS rules at Watford hospital

A report has found that two cancer patients died after, in breach of NHS rules, they were not given follow-up appointments at Watford General Hospital.

An internal review was instigated by West Hertfordshire NHS Trust into the process used for monitoring patients with suspected cancer who were referred to the hospital, the conclusion of which was that the care was compromised of three patients, two of whom have died.

A spokesperson for the trust said that one patient’s “diagnosis was delayed because of the proper process not being followed, however, their cancer was still found at the earliest stage. We have apologised for the delay”.

She went on to say “We have also met the family of a patient who has since died. Our clinical view is that a delay in seeing the patients may have contributed to their death, but it is not certain.

“We are also in the process of contacting the family of another patient who has since died. Sadly, this patient was already at an advanced stage of their illness when the initial referral was made. We have offered our sincerest apologies to both of these families.”

Chief executive of the trust, Samantha Jones, said “These concerns date back a number of years and were identified as part of the new management team’s commitment to improve the way we administer and manage patient care. I would like to apologise to each and every patient who has been affected and particularly to the relatives of those who have since died.

“We have of course made significant changes to help prevent this ever happening again and will share the outcome of our investigations with those affected and with the wider public.”

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP, Medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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