Probe needed to draw a line under scandal

The Courier’s special investigation into the breast cancer scandal at NHS Tayside reveals fresh evidence and allegations of a cover-up at the highest level.

It is the latest and most illuminating chapter of a story that has been commanding headlines for more than three-and-a-half years.

For the patients and families involved, the specific claim about the increased risk of their cancer coming back has left an indelible mark.

And they grapple with whether to put their trust in claims around recurrence that have been rubbished by experts and have no methodology underpinning them.

The devastating impact of this scandal has seen a once highlyrespected breast cancer service collapse and people in Tayside forced to travel outside the region.

People can see for themselves the rationale behind offering nearly 200 women lower doses of chemotherapy drugs.

They can hear for the first time from one of the oncologists involved and the whistleblower who first raised the alarm.

And they can make up their own mind whether patients should have been told about the decision to lower the dose.

But while our investigation has been able to shed new light on what went on behind closed doors at NHS Tayside, only a full inquiry can now find the answers patients and families deserve.

The health secretary would like to move on and focus on the future of services in Tayside.

But for the patients and families involved, there can be no closure until they have real answers about the care they were given and assurances about future treatment regimens.

If public trust is ever to be restored and the breast cancer service rebuilt, then a line in the sand must be drawn on this scandal.

That can only happen with a full and frank investigation in to what happened in which no stone is unturned.

Scottish ministers have it in their power to order a public inquiry into this scandal.

They have a duty to use it.