Following this morning’s Trust Board meeting, Andy shares this latest news from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust. Ed
Isle of Wight NHS Trust has taken prompt and effective action to address concerns that a limited number of Endoscopy patients may not have received their appointments in a timely way.
The incident only involves patients referred for colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy gastroscopy or endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). It does not involve urology patients referred for bladder examinations (cystoscopy). No children are involved as the service offered on the Island is only for adults.
Problem identified during monitoring process
On 25th April 2016, as part of the Trusts performance monitoring process, staff identified a problem with the administration of appointments for the Endoscopy service at St. Mary’s Hospital.
The initial investigation revealed that there was unusual activity – patients cancelled, patients marked as ‘did not attend’, plus enquiries from patients who had not received an appointment – in the Endoscopy Unit appointments booking system. The concern was that some patients may have had their diagnostic test, and ultimately their treatment if required, delayed.
Fully investigated
The incident has been investigated in line with the Trust’s policy on Serious Incidents Requiring Investigation (SIRI) with oversight from Isle of Wight CCG, NHS England and NHS Improvement.
At an early stage in the investigation GPs across the Island were alerted and asked to notify the Trust of any patient who had not received the Endoscopy treatment they were expecting. No concerns have been raised by GPs or GP Practices.
Between October 2015 and May 2016 there were 3,118 patients referred for Endoscopy. The records and clinical pathways of all these patients have been reviewed and concern raised about 42 patients. These have been further scrutinised and as a result 25 patient’s records have been reviewed by a Clinical Specialist at a neighbouring NHS Trust to confirm that the process followed has been robust. We are currently awaiting a response on four (4) of these patients where the Clinical Specialist has asked for further information.
‘Duty of Candour’
A ‘Duty of Candour’ letter has been sent to seven (7) patients; three (3) who had a delay in their pathway and may have suffered with symptoms longer than necessary plus four (4) patients who did not receive an appointment. All seven (7) patients were contacted to clarify the arrangements for their appointments and treatment, where that was required. All were offered the opportunity for an appointment.
The Trust has also reviewed all complaints and SIRI reports for the last three years looking for any correlation with the Endoscopy Department or process. No correlation has been identified.
Process reviewed
The process for appointments with the Endoscopy Unit has been reviewed and training provided to all staff involved in the process.
Any patient who still has concerns relating to their need for an Endoscopy between October 2015 and May 2016 should call 01983 232 123 which will be staffed 9am to 5pm Monday through to Friday from mid-day on 7th September through to 21st September 2016.
Chief Executive apologises
Karen Baker, Chief Executive Officer said:
“We are sharing this information in the spirit of openness and transparency that we believe public services should adopt. We identified a problem, we have investigated the problem and we have resolved it.
“I want to apologise to any patient who is concerned by this announcement. We are assured that the quality of the service offered by the Endoscopy Unit is very good.”
Endoscopy services are located in a brand new £4m Unit which opened on 1st February 2016. More information about the new unit can be found online. More information about Endoscopy can be found on the NHS Choices Website.
