THE deaths of more than 50 rheumatology patients could be investigated further as part of an ongoing review, the Health Department has admitted.
A total of 190 cases are being looked into as part of the process, which began in January 2022 when concerns were expressed by a junior doctor and an independent review from the Royal College of Physicians was carried out.
The RCP review found that the standard of care in rheumatology was “well below what the review team would consider acceptable”.
In an update shared by Health ahead of the July meeting of the Health Advisory Board later this week, it was confirmed that concerns about care and treatment by two consultants had triggered “mortality learning reviews” in one-in-three cases.
Medical director Patrick Armstrong said that 23 mortality reviews had been completed, with 20 deaths so far referred to the Viscount’s Department, which handles inquests. He added that if the one-in-three ratio persisted across all 190 cases, the total number of referrals to the Viscount would be more than 50.
“That figure [of 50 or above] would be the extrapolation, but it’s difficult to tell exactly one way or another until all the reviews have been completed,” he said.
The 190 deaths cover the three-year period ending in January 2022, but Mr Armstrong said that earlier deaths of patients who had been under the care of either consultant may be reviewed at a later stage, with the scope for this follow-up work likely to stretch back as far as 2012 – medical records prior to this date were not likely to remain available, he added.
One of the consultants remains on the Health Department payroll, although the employee has had restrictions imposed on their practice and is not currently working in Jersey, while the other consultant left their role some time ago.
The review also extends to patients who have not died, but where “possible medical harm” may have resulted from care below expected standards, with 33 cases coming into this category and letters of apology being sent to the patients concerned.
Mr Armstrong said: “I would like to reassure patients of the Rheumatology Service that the recommendations made by the RCP for improvements to services are progressing well.
“Of the 26 recommendations made, 16 have been fully implemented, and the remaining ten 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.”
Work is continuing to provide compensation to those affected, either on a case-by-case basis or through a general compensation scheme.
Mr Armstrong concluded: “I’d like to pay tribute to staff for the way they have embraced change – we have moved a million miles forward from where we were and the recent feedback from patients has been positive, with far more compliments than complaints.”
