THE deaths of 20 Islanders who were patients of the Rheumatology Department are being investigated as part of a continuing review, Health has confirmed.
A total of 190 cases are being looked into as part of the process, and the department has also confirmed that around two-thirds of the reviews had been completed.
In an update issued today, medical director Patrick Armstrong said that mortality learning reviews had been deemed necessary in around one-in-three cases, with 23 such reviews completed and 20 deaths referred to the Viscount.
Concerns about rheumatology emerged in January 2022, when a junior doctor raised issues and an independent review from the Royal College of Physicians was commissioned.
Mr Armstrong said the care of 33 patients had been below expected standards and may have resulted in possible medical harm, with letters of apology being sent.
Additionally, Mr Armstrong said that work to review patients who subsequently died was ongoing and that relatives of these patients would be contacted.
He said: “I would like to reassure patients of the Rheumatology Service that the recommendations made by the Royal College for improvements to the services are progressing well.
“Of the 26 recommendations made, 16 have been fully implemented, and the remaining 10 are well on the way to being implemented.
“Specifically, a new biologics pharmacist has begun work and is reviewing prescribing practice and implementing improved governance; we have improved access to physiotherapy and podiatry for rheumatology patients; and progress is being made to enrol Jersey into national audits.”
