Patients could face further tests

A telephone helpline has been set up for concerned patients

Almost 100 patients in Somerset who were tested for bowel conditions could face further tests after doubts over how thoroughly they were carried out.

Officials at the Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre said it involved patients who had colonoscopies to check for bowel disorders, including cancer.

Hospital bosses said a consultant had found cancer in a patient who had previously had a colonoscopy.

All affected patients have already been contacted.

NHS officials said the consultant who carried out the later tests had questioned the thoroughness of the initial examinations.

Surgeon suspended

The centre ordered an external review which concluded that while the tests were all conducted safely, "some were not as thorough as they could have been".

The surgeon who carried out the procedures was suspended and has since left the hospital.

Not all patients will require another colonoscopy and some may be offered a CT scan or X-ray.

The review, ordered by the Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre and Somerset Primary Care Trust, was carried out by a hospital consultant from another medical trust.

More than 1,800 patients with bowel problems had been referred to the treatment centre in the Somerset town.

A telephone helpline has been set up for concerned patients on 0800 412 5575.