Royal Free launches investigation into breast cancer care after doctor whistleblower’s letter

The Royal Free has launched an investigation into care provided to its breast cancer patients after one of its doctors raised serious concerns over safety at the hospital.

A letter sent to the chief executive of the trust in charge of the hospital in Hampstead – and seen by the Ham&High – suggested patients at risk of breast cancer weren’t being screened properly.

The doctor claimed that “grossly inadequate resources” are causing delays in diagnosis; patients face “disgraceful” five-hour waits when they arrive for their appointment; and that excessive workloads meant staff were forced to work without any break.

He also claimed abuse from patients angry with the service was causing low morale.

The Royal Free confirmed last week it had launched an investigation into the claims, to be completed in June.

The trust said one allegation, that a fatigued doctor had made surgical errors, was not true.

A spokesman said: “We always take very seriously any concerns raised about our services. As soon as this letter was received an investigation was launched.”