Pathologist investigated over errors

The pathologist worked at Southmead and St Michael's hospitals in 2014. Credit: PA

A pathologist who worked in Bristol is under investigation after more than 100 mistakes were made in medical tests - which led to two delayed cancer diagnoses.

The doctor was a temporary consultant at Southmead and St Michael's hospitals in 2014.

An investigation by North Bristol NHS Trust found that of the 106 mistakes in the Bristol cases:

  • 87 women came to no harm and required no change in their care as a result of the change in diagnosis.

  • 7 women came to no harm and required no change in their care as a result of the change in diagnosis.

  • 11 patients suffered low harm because they had to have extra tests and appointments which would not have been necessary if the original diagnosis had been correct.

  • One patient suffered severe harm. The delay in diagnosis saw them develop a more invasive cancer which required surgery. The patient has responded well to treatment.

  • One patient has suffered moderate harm resulting in a delay in diagnosis of early stage cervical cancer for which she has received treatment.

  • Four women are pregnant and are still being assessed but are not thought to have come to harm.

  • One woman has moved abroad but is aware she needs assessment.

  • The last patient is awaiting an assessment in London.

The pathologist is no longer working for the Trust and has been referred to the General Medical Council.

The Medical Director of the North Bristol NHS Trust has apologised and issued this statement.