Hospital says sorry for botched cancer tests

16 Dec 2008

A hospital has apologised to hundreds of patients who were recalled for tests amid fears that they were wrongly given the all-clear from cancer.

1,828 colonoscopies were incorrectly carried out at Shepton Mallet Treatment Centre in Somerset between October 2005 and March 2008.

All the colonoscopies were carried out by the same surgeon, Ben Mak.

Concerns were raised in March when a man was diagnosed with cancer, despite previously being given the all-clear when he had a colonoscopy at the hospital.

Mr Mak was suspended and then resigned after a review of his work.

After full investigations, around 100 patients have been told to have a follow-up investigation as a priority. 755 patients have been told to speak to their GPs and 480 have been told that they may need further checks in the next five years.

A spokesman for the hospital said: "We are very sorry that we have had to recall some patients for a follow-up investigation.

"We understand the concern and distress that this has caused and we are doing all we can to support patients.

"The General Medical Council has been informed about this surgeon's work and a full independent investigation is being carried out."

Guy Forster, a medical law solicitor from Patientlawyers.com, said: "It is staggering that such a large number of colonoscopies could have been carried out incorrectly, over such a long period.  This raises massive concerns not only about the competence of the surgeon involved but also the framework for supervision at the hospital.  A review of services is urgently required to ensure that the lives of other patients are not put at risk in this way."

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