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03/02/2006
Inquiry launched into heart tests
More than 1,000 people are having the results of heart tests reviewed over fears that tests were misread.
An inquiry was launched at Fairfield General Hospital in Bury after concerns were raised about reports conducted by a cardiac technician.
The technician, who was supplied by an agency, worked at the hospital between May 23 and December 7 last year.
Dr Ruth Jameson, Medical Director of the Pennine Acute Trust, which runs Fairfield General hospital, said that questions had arisen over the "potential accuracy" of some reporting of echocardiograms conducted by the technician during his time at the hospital. She said: "As a purely precautionary measure, and in line with national guidance, doctors are reviewing the notes of the patients who were examined by this technician, to decide if further examinations are required. Our records indicate that this relates to 1,053 case notes.
"We have written to the patients who had their echo cardiograms carried out by this technician to inform them of this work, as well as informing their GPs. Any patients who require further examinations will be contacted directly.
"For most patients, an echo cardiogram forms part of a broader clinical assessment, so we would hope that any potential problems would have been picked up by other means too."
Dr Jameson stressed that patients whose echocardiograms were conducted by other technicians were not involved in the review. She also stressed that the technician was no longer working for the Trust.
An information line for anyone concerned about his or her tests has been established. It can be contacted on: 0161 656 1999.
(KMcA)
An inquiry was launched at Fairfield General Hospital in Bury after concerns were raised about reports conducted by a cardiac technician.
The technician, who was supplied by an agency, worked at the hospital between May 23 and December 7 last year.
Dr Ruth Jameson, Medical Director of the Pennine Acute Trust, which runs Fairfield General hospital, said that questions had arisen over the "potential accuracy" of some reporting of echocardiograms conducted by the technician during his time at the hospital. She said: "As a purely precautionary measure, and in line with national guidance, doctors are reviewing the notes of the patients who were examined by this technician, to decide if further examinations are required. Our records indicate that this relates to 1,053 case notes.
"We have written to the patients who had their echo cardiograms carried out by this technician to inform them of this work, as well as informing their GPs. Any patients who require further examinations will be contacted directly.
"For most patients, an echo cardiogram forms part of a broader clinical assessment, so we would hope that any potential problems would have been picked up by other means too."
Dr Jameson stressed that patients whose echocardiograms were conducted by other technicians were not involved in the review. She also stressed that the technician was no longer working for the Trust.
An information line for anyone concerned about his or her tests has been established. It can be contacted on: 0161 656 1999.
(KMcA)
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