Review of x-ray probe information

NHS Highland said concerns were raised about a small number of cases

NHS Highland has convened a critical incident team to review information gathered from an investigation into the interpretation of x-rays.

The team's task is to make sure that no patient has an ongoing, undiagnosed disease which should have been picked up at an earlier stage.

NHS Highland said the cases were reported by radiologists based at Lorn and the Isles Hospital in Oban.

The health authority said there were concerns about a "very few" of them.

NHS Highland announced earlier this month it was re-examining a small number of cases dealt with by consultant radiologist Dr James Murray.

Dr Murray worked as a locum based at Lorn and the Isles Hospital until he resigned about two weeks ago.

'Necessary steps'

An initial review of the cases did not find anything that gave health chiefs cause for concern, but also not the complete reassurance they wanted.

NHS Highland has sought advice from the Royal College of Radiologists on the fresh study of the details gathered.

NHS Highland declined to comment on any member of the radiology team, but said x-rays and barium enemas where the images were reported on at the hospital between October 2007 and May 2008 will be included in the review.

Medical director, Dr Ian Bashford, said: "We wish to stress that of the thousands of images read at Lorn and the Isles Hospital over the past several months we have only had concerns raised about very few.

"We are, however, taking these concerns seriously and are taking all necessary steps to provide reassurance."