THE cases of five rheumatology patients have been referred to the Viscount as their deaths could be linked to the treatment they received.
Health Minister Tom Binet told States Members on Tuesday 25 June that it was “quite possible” numbers would grow.
He added that the ongoing review into the deaths of 182 former patients would “take some time to complete” and that an interim report would be presented to the Health Advisory Board in July.
It recently emerged that the deaths of some rheumatology patients are to be referred to the Viscount, as Health officials believe they could have been linked to the treatment they received.
It comes after an independent review of the Island’s rheumatology department “found the standard of care to be well below what the review team would consider acceptable for a contemporary rheumatological service”.
The Royal College of Physicians’ report revealed a “lack of governance, not just in rheumatology but across the healthcare organisation”.
During yesterday’s States sitting, Deputy Jonathan Renouf – who had previously raised concerns over the “serious situation” in a Scrutiny hearing – asked Deputy Binet for a further update on the review.
The Health Minister replied: “The mortality learning review is actually an ongoing process that will take some time to complete. There’s no conclusive or meaningful information available at this time.”
Deputy Binet revealed that five cases have been referred to the Viscount.
He also acknowledged that “it’s quite possible more [cases] will be sent as well”.
During the sitting, Deputy Binet also stressed that it was “well known that all areas of the Hospital will be reviewed over the course of time” and that “it’s inevitable that more problems will be found in certain areas”.
He said: “There are no new reviews under way at present, but we have identified the next area for review, and that process will begin in the next few weeks.”
