NHS faulty weigh scales warning

Inaccurate scales could lead to the wrong treatment

Hospitals, GP surgeries, and nursing homes have been warned to check weighing scales following concerns defective ones are being used.

The Department of Health has issued an alert calling for the action.

It is warning people could be given the wrong doses of drugs if their weight is inaccurately calculated.

In February, it emerged NHS staff had used defective bathroom scales to weigh a four-year-old cancer patient in order to calculate her radiation dosage.

In her case, the error was spotted in time.

This came of the blue without any mention of children whatever Tam Fry, Child Growth Foundation

Last month, trading standards officers began the National Medical Weighing Project after initial visits to hospitals found many scales were inaccurate.

They also found equipment was missing and staff did not have access to the right scales for specific tasks.

Officers will check that all weighing equipment is accurate, legal and fit for purpose, focusing particularly on cancer and children's' departments.

They will also ensure that staff are properly trained.

Accuracy 'crucial'

The Department of Health has now issued its alert, which says all scales which are used in healthcare settings to inform patients' medication dosage, treatment or diagnosis must be checked by mid June.

Any "domestic" scales which are being used must be removed and replaced with medical scales in the majority of settings, although they are permitted in GP surgeries and nursing homes.

Tam Fry of the Child Growth Foundation said it was regretful that the alert did not highlight the particular needs of children.

"I regard that as a grave omission. I'm furious because this came of the blue without any mention of children whatever."

A Department of Health spokesperson said: "Patient safety and appropriate clinical care is of the utmost importance.

"We take this issue very seriously and have issued an alert and guidance to all NHS trusts on the proper use of weighing scale equipment.

"We expect clinicians to follow this guidance, use the right equipment and not compromise patient safety."