OUR organisation has recently conducted almost 400 free PSA tests on men, primarily in East Dorset.
We have identified 54 men with a raised PSA level, some with very high readings.
Although this does not directly suggest these men have prostate cancer, it is a good indication that they need further investigation.
Some of these men have informed us that their GP has refused their request for a PSA test despite the fact that they are instructed to give this test to any man over 50 or any man younger than this with a family history.
Do these GPs realise that they may be directly responsible for the early deaths of their patients through negligence and by deliberately ignoring the patient's request?
So much for the video message on the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group’s website by its chairman, Dr Forbes Watson, when he states: “We want to develop our relationships with all our local communities to make sure we are putting patients at the heart of all that we do” and “We want to be courageous in the decisions we make and challenge things when we don't think they’re right.”
To my enquiries to the CCG, the response was: “We don't have the powers to investigate our own GPs.”
So much for another video statement on their website: “We know what matters to our patients so we can make sure our decisions reflect their aspirations and show that we are caring.”
JIM DAVIS, chairman, Dorset prostate Cancer Support Organisation, Dene Walk, West Parley
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel