Five rheumatology patients told to report failings

A Freedom of Information request to the States of Jersey revealed five patients treated by the rheumatology department at Jersey Hospital were advised to contact police

Five people have been advised to go to the police about the way they were treated by Jersey General Hospital's rheumatology department, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed.

The FOI request to the States of Jersey asked what actions had been taken against the department, which has been heavily criticised for its treatments in a report.

It revealed the cases of 33 deceased patients who died were referred to the viscount and five living patients have been referred to the States of Jersey Police in the past three years.

The report stated no cases had gone to court.

The request also revealed Duty of Candour letters have been issued to individuals in connection with treatment received from the Rheumatology Department.

It said: "33 deceased patients have been referred to the Viscount, and 5 living patients have been referred to the States of Jersey Police.

"A comprehensive review of the patient care is completed by an independent Consultant Rheumatologist on the Specialist Register.

"The assessment on harm suffered is based on a clinical audit tool which has been approved by the Royal College of Physicians, along with in-person review(s) and/or clinic attendance(s)."

It added no cases have yet gone to court.