Patients suffer ‘harm’ so NHS targets are met

Follow-up appointments delayed so more new cases could be seen, claims former consultant

PATIENTS suffered “irreversible and avoidable harm” as a result of appointments being delayed to meet targets, a former NHS Highland neurologist has claimed.

Dr Bethany Jones, who resigned in 2013, has backed calls for an independent inquiry to be carried out after whistleblowers came forward alleging a “conduct of bullying and harassment” within the health authority.

Dr Jones, 50, said: “A specific group of consultants highlighted the risks of giving new patients sole priority over follow-up patients.

“Against their request, patient followup appointments were postponed by senior managers in order to meet targets.

“The physicians had meticulously gone through their follow-up lists and were clearly distraught to discover eight patients who had suffered serious, irreversible and avoidable harm due to the fact that their follow-up appointments had been delayed.”

Shadow health minister David Stewart said: “It’s very distressing to hear these claims, especially when it’s alleged that patients suffered due to missed follow-up checks.

“The more that is being revealed, the more backing there is for an independent inquiry by the Scottish Government.”

An NHS Highland spokeswoman said: “The board recognises the importance of timely review from a patient safety basis in some situations.”

Dr Bethany Jones started work in the Highlands in 2007 and left in 2013, claiming she resigned over “managerial mismanagement”.

She studied in the Netherlands, has a PhD and passed her physician exams with honours.

She was the first permanent neurologist in the Highlands, saying: “I was single-handed for the first few years and I made some great progress in the neurology services.

“I was the first in the Highlands to do video link tele neurology clinics with Skye and Caithness.

“We – the multiple scleroris (MS) nurse and I – were the first to give the newest infusion drugs for MS in a public hospital in Scotland.”

She added: “I was not unique in my qualifications and achievements compared to other NHS Highland colleagues at the time.

“I think that is a very important point to make.

“Most of the Highland staff (all levels) were either local or chose to move there. The Highlands is a small community and there is a lot of loyalty from staff towards each other and the patients.

“There was a lot of pride in our achievements as well. That is perhaps one of the reasons why this [alleged ‘culture of bullying’] could go on so long. We always found that last bit of extra energy and effort to care for each other.”