Kirsty Williams AM

5,000 histopathology samples to be re-analysed - Williams Comment

Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon & Radnorshire Kirsty Williams has expressed concern at the news that Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust is to re-examine histopathology samples examined at Hereford Hospital between May 2006 and August 2007.

5,245 tissue samples taken by an individual consultant are under question and are being re-analysed by an external, independent laboratory.

Kirsty Williams said:

"This is clearly a very regrettable and serious situation and I can only guess at the anxiety of the patients affected. I am of course concerned for all patients involved which will almost certainly include my own constituents in Powys.

"I am reassured, as I hope patients will be that, the Trust is acting decisively and with caution by re-examining all affected samples and contacting all affected patients individually.

"In a meeting with the Trust's Chief Executive I have been assured that the situation is being dealt with the utmost of vigor and that patient's welfare is at the heart of the trust's actions."

"Should patients have any concerns I would urge them to call the specially set up helpline on 01432 363980.

"I welcome the trusts statement that it is reviewing its cross-checking and quality control procedures to prevent any similar situation recurring in the future."

Notes:

PRESS RELEASE

HEREFORD HOSPITALS NHS TRUST

05.02.08

REVIEW OF HISTOPATHOLOGY SAMPLES

Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust has announced that it is reviewing histopathology samples relating to 4,525 patients, which were examined in its laboratory at Hereford County Hospital between May 2006 and August 2007.

The Trust's chief executive apologised to all patients affected by the review, which arose out of indications received of possible errors in the examination of a small proportion of tissue samples by one individual working at the hospital during that time.

As a result, all tissue samples examined by that individual during that period are now being re-analysed by an external, independent laboratory. These samples include biopsies, surgical specimens and cytology (cell) samples.

The Trust stresses that the review does not relate to blood or urine tests, swabs or X-rays.

The Trust has written to all patients affected and those identified as needing a review of their treatment plan are being contacted individually by their own consultant or GP to carry that out.

A helpline has been set up on 01432 363980 - open from 9am to 9pm on weekdays and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday and Sunday - for anyone who may have any concerns about this issue.

All 5,245 samples (relating to the 4,525 patients) have now been sent for review. To date the Trust has received reports back on 2,796 samples, of which the original examination has been confirmed as correct in 2,131 cases. Further checking is being carried out by clinicians on the remaining reports that have been received back to determine whether they differ significantly from the original result and whether that would have adversely affected the diagnosis and treatment.

This checking process is complex, involving a number of stages, and it is expected it will be completed by the end of February 2008. All patients are being notified of the outcome of the re-examination of their samples.

Updates are being received by the Trust on a daily basis. Twelve patients have so far been identified as needing to be recalled to see their consultant or GP. Six of these patients have been seen by their consultant or GP and, in five of the cases, the treatment plan did not need to be changed. In the remaining case, a minor change was required in the patient's treatment plan.

As the overall review continues, other patients will be contacted if necessary.

It is expected that, once all of the samples have been checked, no more than 200 patients will need to be recalled for their treatment to be reviewed.

Chief executive Martin Woodford said: "I would personally like to apologise wholeheartedly, on behalf of the Trust, to all patients affected by this regrettable situation. I particularly apologise to those who may have received an inaccurate diagnosis.

"Our highest priority is the care and wellbeing of our patients and we are acting as quickly as possible to make sure that the review is carried out thoroughly and effectively."

The consultant histopathologist who carried out the tests that are now being reviewed is currently excluded from work pending the completion of investigations. No concerns have been raised about the accuracy of reporting by any other member of the histopathology department.

The Trust took immediate action to investigate when concerns were raised and, as a result, is reviewing its cross-checking and quality control procedures to protect against any similar situation arising in the future. An additional histopathologist is now being recruited to assist in this increased level of cross-checking.

"I would like to reassure patients that they will be contacted directly if any doubt is cast upon their diagnosis during the review and apologise for the concerns this deeply regrettable situation has caused," said Alison Budd, the Trust's medical director.

"Should anyone have any concerns about this matter in the meantime, they should not hesitate to call our helpline on 01432 363980."

***ENDS***

For further information contact Katrina Wilcox on 01432 372928.

Notes to editors:

Histopathology is not an exact science and samples can be open to expert interpretation.

The checking procedure in the review currently being carried out is complex and includes:

Identifying samples.

Sending batches of 400 at a time to an external laboratory.

Specialists examining each sample and providing a report.

If the report differs significantly from the original findings, the sample is sent to another histopathologist at a different laboratory.

Both histopathologists' reports are then considered by the relevant patient's clinician to assess if any different diagnosis or treatment would have been given in the light of their findings.