MP knew of patient sample faults

Up to 200 patients could need their treatment changed

Hereford's MP has said he knew that thousands of hospital patients needed their cases re-examined about two weeks before the news was made public.

Officials at Hereford County Hospital announced on Wednesday that errors could have been made when tissue samples were examined in 2006 and 2007.

Paul Keetch said he was earlier briefed by officials and told them they should go public as soon as possible.

Wednesday was chosen because they were then prepared to handle inquiries.

About 4,500 patients could be affected, and it is believed up to 200 might need their treatment changed or reviewed.

'Best balance'

Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust's chief executive Martin Woodford said Wednesday represented the "best balance between being open and giving factual information to patients to put their minds at rest".

He said: "If we'd announced earlier than this the fact of the review, but not been able to back that up with the necessary support, we would have been accused of having been negligent in that respect.

"We've successfully sent out all the necessary samples to the external laboratory and they are returning as we speak.

"That work was not delayed in any regard."

He added that about half of the samples had been returned, with one "minor change of diagnosis" identified so far.

'Contingency plans'

It has been estimated that sending the samples to the laboratory will cost between £300,000 and £400,000.

But Mr Woodford said it would not affect services at the hospital because "we do make contingency plans".

Mr Keetch said: "It had to be put into the public domain as soon as possible, but the trust had to establish, for example, the helpline ready for any response.

"Now I think my involvement has made sure that this has come out very quickly in a very, very measured way."

The review is due to be completed at the end of February.