Faults found in patients' samples

Hospital bosses are writing to all the patients affected

More than 4,500 hospital patients in Hereford are to have their cases re-examined because of mistakes made in a laboratory, hospital chiefs said.

Officials at Hereford County Hospital said errors could have been made when the tissue samples were examined between May 2006 and August 2007.

Up to 200 patients might need their treatment changing as a result.

All the patients involved will be notified by letter and a hotline has been set up.

The samples affected include biopsies, surgical specimens and cell samples, but no blood or urine tests, swabs or X-rays.

'Apologise wholeheartedly'

A spokesperson for Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust said the errors that had been found all related to one individual who had been working in the laboratory.

That person has now been suspended from work while investigations are carried out.

The checking process is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Trust 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 well-being of our patients and we are acting as quickly as possible to make sure that the review is carried out thoroughly and effectively."