A REVIEW of patients potentially misdiagnosed following bone-density scans has found no further cases of substandard treatment.
In April, the Health Department initiated a review of almost 2,300 patients’ case notes and previous ‘Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry’, or DEXA scans, after specialist independent consultants identified potential concerns with the diagnosis and treatment recommendations of some patients who underwent bone densitometry scans at the Hospital between January 2017 and January 2022.
Of the 2,300 patient notes reviewed, it was found that in 20 cases, the treatment and care plans following a DEXA scan had not been up to standard.
These 20 patients received a ‘duty of candour’ letter saying that their treatment and care had “fallen below the level that would have been expected”, whilst a further 250 patients were recommended for a rescan.
These patients were invited for a rescan at special clinics held in May and July, or placed on a waiting list if they could not attend the initial appointment, with results then sent to them.
Health has now confirmed that nothing was found in these latest scans which necessitated any further duty of candour letters being sent.
When Health announced the rescan programme in April, Medical Director Simon West apologised to all affected patients, recognising that being asked for a rescan was “unsettling”.
He added that Islanders could have full confidence in the Hospital’s current DEXA service.
