A computer glitch that caused 450,000 women to miss crucial breast cancer screenings may mean that hundreds of women have died, and thousands more are at risk of developing cancer.
Breast cancer screenings are available to all women aged between 50 and 70 every three years. Regular screenings mean early cancer signs can be picked up before women notice the symptoms. Due to a recently identified computer error within the NHS, it has been discovered that approximately 450,000 women aged between 68 and 71 were not sent final breast screening appointments between 2009 and early 2018.
Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary, confirmed to Parliament that within the vast amount of patients identified, there were“…likely to be some people in this group who would have been alive today if this had not happened”.
Announcing that an inquiry would be set up and overseen by Public Health England into the failings, Mr Hunt said the error was “a serious failure of the breast screening programme” and apologised “wholeheartedly and unreservedly for the suffering caused.”
Of the women who missed screenings, it is reported that 309,000 were still alive and would be contacted before the end of May, with 65,000 notifications being despatched this week. All those under 75 will be offered a catch-up screening. Women who wish to be screened will be invited in the next six months.
A clinical negligence solicitor with Sydney Mitchell, said,
This is shocking news. Not only have the lives of nearly half a million woman potentially been put at risk as a result of an IT glitch, but people more than likely have died or had their lives cut short as a result. This will be incredibly distressing for some families who may have lost loved ones from breast cancer, or may have recently received a diagnosis.
If you have received a letter informing you that you have been identified as being a patient that has missed a breast screening appointment, or if you think you may be affected, you may wish to consider seeking legal advice. Please contact a member of the Personal Injury team on 0808 166 8827 in complete confidence, for “no win-no fee” advice.
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