Inquiry into misread heart tests
03/02/2006
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Raymond, Hertfordshire
More than 1,000 people may have been wrongly diagnosed with heart problems because test results were misread.
An inquiry has begun at Fairfield Hospital, in Bury, Greater Manchester, after errors were found in heart ultrasound results.
A cardiac technician, who no longer works at the hospital, said patients were suffering from heart complaints when in fact readings were normal.
The records of patients seen by him will now be re-examined.
A spokesperson for the hospital said that the technician was qualified and experienced at his job.
Letters have been sent to over 1000 patients seen by him between 23 May and 7 December telling them errors were found in echocardiogram examinations.
Pennine Acute Trust said that the review was now well under way.
It is not known if any patients have been supplied incorrect medication as a result of the mistakes made.
A helpline has been set up by the Trust - 0161 656 1999. Any patients who are concerned can call the helpline.
"This is very worrying. A through inquiry needs to be undertaken to determine how this was able to happen. Patients who have been affected may be entitled to compensation and should seek specialist legal advice," said specialist misdiagnosis solicitor Zoe Holland who represents a number of women who were misdiagnosed with Breast Cancer at Trafford General Hospital.
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