Reviews sparked by x-ray concerns

No discrepancies were found in the locum's work in Glasgow

The work of a radiologist is being reviewed after concerns were raised about his interpretation of x-rays, it has emerged.

NHS Highland confirmed it was re-examining a small number of cases dealt with by Dr James Murray.

A much wider review of his work is being carried out in the Republic of Ireland, where he formerly worked.

The radiologist worked as a locum based at Lorn and Isles Hospital in Oban until he resigned two weeks ago.

NHS Highland said all concerns were being taken seriously and that information was being gathered as a matter of urgency by senior clinicians and managers of the board.

Dr Murray also worked for about six months as a locum consultant at Glasgow Royal Infirmary until 31 March 2006.

Lung cancer

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said it had not found any serious discrepancies in a review of all its cases involving Dr Murray.

The health authority said: "It was reported at the time that there were some discrepancies in the style of reporting by Dr Murray, but not in the clinical interpretation of images.

"As a consequence, a review of his work was undertaken at Glasgow Royal Infirmary by a team of consultant radiologists. No serious discrepancies were found from this review process."

Health authorities in the Republic of Ireland launched a review after four patients - whose x-rays and CT scans were allegedly misinterpreted - died of lung cancer.

The checks concern about 6,000 routine chest x-rays and 70 CT scans carried out at two hospitals.