Initially, the agency asked the doctors to send concrete examples of a number of patient processes.
Medical records were sent for a total of 27 patients associated with Alles Lægehus in Fjerritslev, Thisted and Øster Jølby respectively.
16 of the records were from the medical center in Fjerritslev. In addition, the agency received a concern request, which also concerned Alles Lægehus in Fjerritslev.
After carrying out an assessment of the medical records, in September the Patient Safety Authority asked the owner doctors in the three Alles Lægehus clinics to each come up with an explanation of how they will ensure future patient safety.
In the inquiry to Alles Lægehus Fjerritslev, the agency wrote, among other things:
“It is our assessment that several courses are characterized by changing practitioners and a lack of an overall plan for the investigation and treatment of potentially serious problems. There are thus several examples of late or missing referral in cancer package courses for non-specific symptoms compatible with possible cancer.”
The doctors were given three weeks to respond.
Two cases are closed
On the basis of their statements, the Norwegian Patient Safety Authority has now decided that two of the supervisory cases will stop here.
This is shown in documents that Nordjutland has been given access to.
In a so-called closing letter to Alles Lægehus Øster Jølby, sent on 19 November, the agency writes that the action plan it has received is generally adequate.
“We assess that you will be able to rectify the described problems by following your action plan”, the decision states, among other things.
Alles Lægehus Thisted receives largely the same message.
Here, too, the conclusion is that the agency ends the inspection.
The Agency for Patient Safety writes the following in an email to Nordjyske:
“In two of the cases concerning Alles Lægehusklinikker, we have closed the case with recommendations, while for the third we consider that an inspection visit is needed to assess whether there is a concern for patient safety.”
Problematic processes
Alles Lægehus Fjerritslev does not get away with a recommendation this time. Here, the agency wants to make an inspection visit to the medical clinic.
In the letter to the hospital, the chief physician from the Norwegian Patient Safety Agency writes:
“During the assessment, the Board for Patient Safety has emphasized that the current administrative case deals with several problematic procedures regarding cancer investigation.”
During the inspection visit, the board wants to ensure, among other things, that the professionalism is in order when, for example, tasks that can normally only be carried out by doctors are handed over to nurses.
In the report that Alles Lægehus Fjerritslev sent to the Norwegian Patient Safety Agency in October, the medical center acknowledges that in some specific patient cases there have been processes that should have been handled differently.
For example, a nurse should have conferred with the doctor about a patient who had symptoms of cancer such as weight loss, difficulty swallowing and fatigue.
And the doctor’s office should have paid more attention to giving the patient a new time for consultation after an appointment was cancelled.
In the report, the hospital also provides detailed action plans for how to ensure patient safety in the future.
Will create learning
Nordjyske has asked Alles Lægehus for a comment on the case. Michelle Møller, head of communications in the group Alles Lægehus A/S has sent a written statement:
– As part of the conclusion of the investigation, the Agency for Patient Safety will carry out a follow-up physical inspection in Fjerritslev, we see this as a natural part of the process to follow up on designated focus areas and ensure the implementation of action plans. We are determined to use this process to create learning and development, therefore we also look forward to collaborating with the Board during the inspection and demonstrating how the described initiatives are already well underway in the clinic.
– The upcoming inspection is a positive opportunity to give the Board in-depth insight into the clinic’s work processes and professional quality, with which the Board can expect to conclude that relevant work is being done in relation to submitted action plans, and that the inspection can therefore be concluded without further action.
2024-12-05 11:08:00
#medical #clinics #scrutiny #matter
What specific concerns led the Authority to conduct an on-site inspection at the Alles Lægehus clinic in Fjerritslev?
## Patient Safety Concerns at Alles Lægehus Clinics
**Introduction**
Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing concerning reports out of Denmark regarding patient safety at three Alles Lægehus clinics. We’re joined by [expert name], a healthcare policy analyst, to help us understand the situation.
**Interviewer:**
Thank you for joining us, [expert name]. Can you summarize the situation regarding the Norwegian Patient Safety Authority’s investigation into these clinics?
**Expert:**
Certainly. The Norwegian Patient Safety Authority launched an investigation into three Alles Lægehus clinics in Fjerritslev, Thisted, and Øster Jølby after receiving patient records that raised concerns about potential breaches in patient safety, particularly regarding cancer diagnoses.
**Interviewer:**
The investigation has now resulted in different outcomes for each clinic, correct? Can you elaborate?
**Expert:**
That’s right. The Authority has closed the investigations into the clinics in Thisted and Øster Jølby after receiving satisfactory action plans from the doctors outlining how they will address the identified issues.
**Interviewer:**
That’s good news. But the situation in Fjerritslev seems more serious?
**Expert:**
Yes, unfortunately. The investigation into Alles Lægehus Fjerritslev is ongoing. The concerns raised there focused on “several problematic procedures” regarding cancer investigations, including delays in referrals and potential issues with the delegation of medical tasks to nurses. The Authority has decided to conduct an on-site inspection to further assess the situation and ensure patient safety.
**Interviewer:**
What does this mean for patients who rely on these clinics?
**Expert:**
It means that the Fjerritslev clinic is under increased scrutiny and potential additional measures may be taken to address the identified concerns. Patients everywhere should always feel confident that their healthcare providers are prioritizing their well-being and safety. This situation highlights the importance of robust patient safety protocols and ongoing vigilance within the healthcare system.
**Interviewer:**
Thank you, [expert name], for shedding light on this important issue. We will continue to follow this story and keep our viewers informed.
**[Closing remarks from interviewer].**
