Extra training urged after cancer mistakes

Radiologists who wrongly gave 16 women the all-clear for breast cancer should not return to work until they have had more training, an investigation has concluded.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Nov 2010, 22:30 BST

Updated 5th Nov 2010, 22:31 BST

In July this year North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust suspended its breast screening service for a major review into the treatment of 1,695 women who needed to be called back for more tests.

In August, trust's chief executive Carole Heatly said eight women actually had cancer despite being given the all clear.

But a review into the series of mistakes published yesterday showed 16 women had cancer and concluded radiologists did not conduct enough needle biopsy tests. The report was produced by Cumbria's director of public health, Professor John Ashton.

He recommended the radiologists should have extra training.

Cumbria