The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that it paid out £435,545 for five settled claims from between 2021 and 2022.

The trust covers Colchester and Ipswich hospitals, Aldeburgh, Clacton, Halstead, Harwich and Felixstowe community hospitals and Bluebird Lodge near Ipswich.

Errors in radiology – which includes X-rays, MRI scans and CT scans – can lead to missed fractures, undiagnosed cancers or serious conditions being mistaken for something minor.

Meanwhile, over the last two years, the trust has 11 remaining claims, with the number of radiology negligence claims rising by 30% in the last three years.

This paper came across this information initially through Medical Negligence Assist, a solicitor specialising in the field.

Sophie Cope, medical negligence solicitor for JF Law, said: “When something goes wrong at this stage, whether a scan is carried out to a poor standard, misinterpreted, delayed, or never carried out in the first place, the impact on a patient’s health can be profound.

“Some errors may result in additional pain and suffering, prolonged illness, the need for more invasive treatment or prolonged recovery, and other errors can be catastrophic.”

Reviews of NHS diagnostic services have repeatedly pointed to workforce shortages and rising demand, while the Royal College of Radiologists has consistently warned that a lack of consultant radiologists increases the likelihood of mistakes.

Meanwhile, ESNEFT say they are working closely with patients and their legal teams on resolutions, and are determined to provide “safe and compassionate care”.

Dr Angela Tillett, Chief Medical Officer at ESNEFT. (Image: Newsquest)

Dr Angela Tillett, Chief Medical Officer at ESNEFT, said: “We’re committed to providing our patients with safe and compassionate care and treatment.

“We take any concerns raised about the standard of care in our hospitals very seriously.

“Imaging is a pivotal part of patient care.

“We undertake more than 500,000 scans a year at ESNEFT.

“In a small number of cases where there are concerns, we investigate fully and work with patients and their legal teams on a resolution.

“We also share any lessons learned so we can improve our services for the future.”