Criticism over cancer test delays

An endoscopy involved a camera on a fibre-optic cable

A highly critical report has been published after "significant" delays in carrying out urgent cancer tests.

Some patients who should have been seen as a high priority within two weeks, waited up to a year for endoscopy tests at the North Devon Hospital.

The report for the Northern Devon Healthcare Trust said the health of some patients had been deeply affected by the mistakes.

The hospital has been asked to come up with an action plan within a month.

Hospital apology

At the end of October, hundreds of people in north Devon were sent letters telling them of delays for people waiting for their endoscopy tests, which involves a camera at the end of a fibre-optic cable. The letter included an apology from the hospital.

A total of 457 patients experienced some delay, but the hospital said they would all be seen by December.

Included on the list were 66 people who had cases of suspected cancer.

The external review was commissioned by the South West Peninsula Strategic Health Authority and was carried out by an independent team from various health bodies.