THREE patients have had treatment for breast cancer despite being given the all-clear by a junior doctor who failed to follow proper procedures.

A total of 462 patients who attended a clinic at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital between January 2011 and July 2012, were invited back for reassessments.

Originally 272 letters were sent out following concerns raised by consultants who run the breast clinic regarding a doctor, who is no longer working for the Trust.

The final figures, released yesterday, follow a review of the case by the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals Trust which launched in May.

Paula Shobbrook, director of nursing at RBH, said: “We carried out a careful review of the management of the patients who were seen by this doctor and invited 462 patients back for a clinical appointment with a consultant.

“Of those invited back, one has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Two other patients had been treated for breast cancer at other hospitals in the interval period between when they were originally seen by the doctor, and when they were invited back. We apologise to all patients involved for the distress this has caused.

“The review team worked extremely hard to ensure all patients invited back did receive the invite letter. Copies of the letters were sent to the patient’s GPs and new addresses were found for those who did not respond, with offers of appoint-ments closer to where they now live.”

A helpline was set up for patients and extra clinics put on for those patients who could not make the earlier appointments.

Ms Shobbrook added: “Some patients chose not to attend after discussions with clinical staff and for individual reasons a few patients are still coming in for appointments.

“The Board will continue to look closely at this case and has now invited the Royal College of Surgeons in to review what happened.”

For more information or help, please contact Bournemouth hospital’s, Patients’ Advice and Liaison Service, on 01202 704886.