Concern as 'inappropriate' behaviour from radiologists led to scans not being requested

There are worries that a culture of 'inappropriate' and 'aggressive' behaviour among the island's radiologists has led to junior doctors not requesting patient scans.

The Royal College of Radiologists has been reviewing Jersey's General Hospital.

The expert report describes how junior doctors, particularly those who are female, have been spoken to 'inappropriately' by some radiologists.

One female doctor who challenged an incident by raising a formal complaint was 'advised to avoid going to the radiology department in the future.'

Aggression was also noted in the report:

'Concern was expressed that behaviour is sometimes so aggressive that the experience of exchanges of this kind may lead to changes in a doctor’s clinical judgement over time, such that they opt not to request a scan (to avoid confrontation) and that this subsequently leads to adverse outcomes for patients.'

The report recommends that HCS tackles this culture, and what is described as an "us and them" dynamic between radiographers and radiologists. 

'Ageing equipment' also needs replacing according to the report's experts.

READ MORE: Women recalled for breast cancer screening amid misdiagnosis concerns

This report follows a review of 2,798 patients, that were previously screened for breast cancer after problems came to light with the work of a single radiologist.

The Health department says the BSBR review identified a small number of possible 'false negative' findings from mammogram and ultrasound tests.

23 patients were recalled for further tests following this. Since then, 14 patients have been identified as having their cancer diagnoses delayed. 

HCS says the radiologist concerned is no longer doing mammograms and ultrasounds and is on restricted duties.

Chris Bown, HCS Chief Officer, commented on the report:

“The wider concerns raised by the Royal College of Radiologists make for sobering reading.

"It is clear we need to reset the relationship between different professional groups in this area and engender a much stronger culture of collaboration and professional respect.

"I am determined we will do this."

He continues to say in its report, the Royal College commends HCS for commissioning this review which it says is evidence of our openness to learning from external perspectives.

"I welcome this comment. We are certainly trying to be completely open and transparent in everything we do.

"This may fuel the impression that services in HCS need significant improvement, but openness and transparency are essential if we are to enhance services in the future."