Total of 19 recommendations made by review group after NHS Tayside breast cancer revelations

An independent review group, which was set up after it emerged breast cancer patients in Tayside were being given lower doses of a chemotherapy drug, has published 19 recommendations to minimise the chance of it happening again.

It was set up by Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer to improve cancer treatment across the country.

This comes after a first report - by Healthcare Improvement Scotland – followed claims relating to women being given lower doses of chemotherapy treatment than in other centres.

A second report from an Immediate Response Group was then commissioned to deliver a clinical risk assessment of the impact of this variation in practice.

Following those publications earlier this year, a short life Independent Advisory Group, chaired by Professor Aileen Keel CBE, was set up. This group had a clear remit to make recommendations to minimise the risk of this happening again.

Among the 19 recommendations is making sure patients are informed and give consent to any changes in their treatment.

The group also says there should be a “Once for Scotland” approach which encourages the rapid sharing and adoption of best practice across regional cancer networks and NHS boards.

CMO Dr Catherine Calderwood said:

“The Health Secretary has welcomed these recommendations and in adopting them we will help ensure that cancer patients across Scotland have access to the same high level of care and treatment, regardless of where they live.

“Delivering on recommendations on informed patient consent is essential so that all cancer patients have the same high level of informed involvement in decision making about their care.

“One of the first actions will be to establish an implementation group for these recommendations and I am pleased to announce that this will be led by Dr Hilary Dobson OBE.”

Scottish Government will accept all recommendations.

NHS Tayside Medical Director Professor Peter Stonebridge said:

“Following concerns raised about variations in treatment in Tayside earlier this year, I can reassure patients that the same chemotherapy dosage regimes are being offered to patients in Tayside as in the rest of Scotland and all patients are fully informed about the options available to them. We continue to offer support to patients and families affected.

“Today’s report sets out clear recommendations for cancer networks and teams across Scotland and we welcome the recommended new approach which will allow cancer networks across the country to work more closely together.”

More to follow…

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