UK Hospital Recalls 250 women for Re-assessment of Breast Cancer

Over 250 women were called for rescreening for breast cancer at a hospital in the U.K. as it was found that a junior doctor had not followed proper procedures and may have incorrectly given the  all-clear to some.

The patients who went for checkups at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Dorset between January 2011 and June 2012 were called back by the hospital authorities for reassessments.

The staff was worried about the way some patients were assessed by the doctor, who no longer works there.

In a statement, The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said that the screening of the patients "potentially did not meet our usual high standards."

"Although we have found no evidence of any harm, the safety of our patients is our number one priority. This is why as a precaution we are making additional contact with some patients and offering a further consultation," said Tony Skene, consultant breast surgeon.

He said that a number of patients who were screened during that period at the hospital were not affected. "We do however realise that for those patients that we do recall, this may lead to additional anxiety and we apologise for the distress that this may cause."

The doctor further said that the patients will be given appointments at the earliest. "The trust is being proactive with this recall which is about clinical standards. There are no other concerns. I want to assure all patients we contact that they will be offered a prompt appointment with access to a support telephone line in the interim should they need it."