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Health centre deaths probe
A TREATMENT centre run by a private company was closed by health chiefs yesterday (Wednesday) following the deaths of two patients.
Referrals to the North London Independent Sector Treatment Centre (ISTC) in St John’s Wood have been suspended in the “interests of patients’ safety” just eight months after the £144million contract was awarded to Clinicenta.
NHS London – the capital’s overarching health authority – has launched an investigation and around 50 patients are being transferred back into NHS-run clinics.
A spokesman for NHS London said: “Our first priority is patient safety and this decision has been taken as a precautionary measure while NHS London conducts a full investigation into the concerns that have been raised.”
He added: “NHS London is in the process of transferring the care of a small number of patients from Clinicenta to the appropriate NHS provider to ensure that there is minimal interruption in the care they receive.
“It is our intention to conduct an independent assessment of Clinicenta’s out-of-hospital care.”
The ISTC, which provides outpatient treatments for patients from across north London with a large share of its intake from Camden, was set up to bring more hospital services “into the community”.
Doctors in Camden were issued guidance that they should advise their patients to use Clinicenta for free treatment if faced by long appointment waiting lists at NHS hospital.
A Clinicenta spokesman said: “We are aware that NHS London has concerns and we will co-operate fully with the investigation.” |
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