Breast cancer patients set for legal action against NHS Tayside

Breast cancer patients who claim they were unknowingly given loser doses of chemotherapy are taking NHS Tayside to court.

A group of 15 to 20 women are preparing legal action - after it emerged 14 patients died whilst being treated with lower levels between 2016 and 2018.

Lee Dennis from Perth is one of those behind the action.

"We feel that fundamentally this is an issue of patient autonomy. We have the legally enshrined right to be equal partners in our care and that was not the case here," she said.

"That should not go unchallenged."

An independent review found more consistent treatment was needed earlier this year - but an expert said it was highly unlikely the treatment was to blame for the deaths.

Ms Dennis believes patients were let down.

"What we are dealing with here is a complex multi faceted issue which does not involve one individual or one particular decision," she added.

"This is an issue surrounding an entire system failing, which links across NHS Tayside, regulatory bodies and the scottish government."

A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said, “NHS Tayside has not been notified on any legal action.

“It is important that patients know that NHS Tayside has addressed all recommendations made relating to breast oncology treatment in Tayside.

“Patients should be reassured that the same chemotherapy dosage regimens are offered to patients in Tayside as in the rest of Scotland.

“Every individual patient has a clinical pathway tailored to their own health needs. This will include regular reviews and monitoring of their health and ongoing treatment. This pathway will be discussed in detail between patients and their oncologist.

“If any patient has remaining concerns, they should raise them with their oncologist at their ongoing follow up appointments.”

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