Colchester: Six Cancer Services 'Unsafe'
19 December 2013, 16:31 | Updated: 19 December 2013, 16:34
A report by NHS England has found six of the 17 cancer pathways and services at Colchester Hospital did not meet acceptable standards.
The pathways for Skin, Sarcoma, and Brain and Central Nervous System cancers as well as the Radiology service were found not to be reaching the right standards, but measures had already been put in place to rectify the situation.
Serious risks were found with the Urology and Cancer of Unknown Primary Origin pathways, and NHS England has demanded immediate action be taken.
The report says that, as on December 9th, these services were classed as 'unsafe'.
It says it found there was "inadequate or unsustainable levels of staffing in key services" and a "lack of training for key staff", as well as "poor handover of patients between cancer teams and with other hospitals".
Concerns have also been raised about "unsafe information and records systems" where staff were often required to enter data multiple times into different systems leading to errors.
It was also discovered problems with processes, documentation, communication and attendence at Cancer Multi-disciplinary team meetings (MDTs) which is basically where different specialists discuss what the best course of treatment for any individual is.
NHS England has made 14 recommendations, including hiring more staff in certain areas and investing in modern communication and IT systems.
Level of failings was a "surprise"
Andrew Pike from NHS England says he was shocked by the extent of the failings: "As the work was undertaken, in some areas the concerns were a surprise to us but I'm confident they're being dealt with. It's better they're out in the open.
"Obviously there is a concern whether there is other specialities or services where there may be problems. We can't say [whether there are problems elsewhere] today, but we will be taking a review of the wider hospital services during January and February and I think that will help us draw those wider conclusions.
"A range of immediate steps have been taken by the hospital that we have required, that will include bringing in extra staff, so we can deal with those concerns so, as of today, we can feel services are adequate for patients to be referred to."
Essex Police has launched an investigation into it.
Hospital is addressing the problems
Dr Sean MacDonnell, Medical Director at the hospital, said: "We accept in full the report and its recommendations, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed for their work which shines a light on the way ahead for our cancer services," he said.
"Today's publication will help to shape our Cancer Action Plan and gives us an opportunity to create consistently good quality cancer services that our patients have the right to expect, a challenge which we have already taken up with great focus and determination.
"The report identifies a number of problems in our cancer services which are extremely concerning but which we have started to address.
"However, it is important to stress to current cancer patients and their families that the main issues are with our processes - which we are determined to put right - and the report does not question the quality of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery for patients with cancer.
"There is much work to do but the report also points to areas of good practice, including dedicated clinical staff and teams that work very well together."
The release of the report comes just a day after the trust's Chief Executive, Dr Gordon Coutts, announced he was stepping down, although it is not known whether the findings of the report had anything to do with his departure.
Another review into the governance at the trust is due to be released in the new year, and will cover claims of staff being bullied and pressured into falsifying cancer patient information.