Scan review amid radiologist concerns needed to assure patient safety – Swinney

The First Minister has said reviewing more than 1,000 CT scans following concerns over the quality of reports by a consultant radiologist was needed to “be assured of patient safety”.

The Scottish National Radiology Reporting Service (SNRRS) said routine checks found concerns with the quality of CT scans by one consultant radiologist.

The service said immediate action was taken and all relevant CT examinations reported by the consultant between April 2022 and July 2024 were reviewed.

SNRRS said in a statement: “Out of over 1,000 images reviewed, a small number of patients were identified as having been potentially impacted.

“Local NHS boards are proactively reaching out to these individuals to discuss next steps where necessary and appropriate.

“SNRRS remains steadfast in its commitment to quality and safety in patient care, and will continue to uphold the highest standards in radiology through their audits.

“They will now work closely with all relevant boards to ensure transparency and support for any affected patients.”

SNRRS said the consultant radiologist involved no longer works for the service.

Speaking to the PA news agency while on a visit to the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, where SNRRS is based, First Minister John Swinney said: “It is important where there is any concern about performance in any aspects of our clinical care that those are examined.

“In this case about 1,000 radiology procedures have been assessed.

“I understand there has been relatively little impact or difference in experience of individual patients, but obviously it is important in all these circumstances that every single case is examined to be assured of patient safety.”

He added: “The patient safety issue is paramount within the National Health Service and it is important that radiology assessments are regularly considered to make sure we have got the highest quality output possible.”