According to the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, 30 women screened for breast cancer between 2011 and 2014 may have had an ‘insufficient assessment’ carried out by the same doctor, and will require an early reassessment to ensure that any abnormalities have been identified.

Following a review by the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, out of 626 women screened between 2011 and 2014, 30 women have been called for a second assessment.

The trust has reassured patients that the measures are precautionary and triggered as part of their quality review process.

Clinical negligence solicitor, Shivani Tah, based in Thompsons Solicitors’ Birmingham office, said: “Breast cancer screening is a fundamental service, which helps to support early diagnosis of breast cancer, and can prove essential in providing patients with the best treatment available at the earliest opportunity.

“However, in rare instances, procedures and tests are not carried out properly, and when misdiagnosis or a delay in diagnosis occurs, in some cases, this can prove to have devastating consequences for the patient.

“Following the review by the trust, it is vital that the NHS continues to implement a robust and thorough quality review process to identify any cases of negligence, and to ultimately protect patients from the medical and emotional distress that a lack of clarity will bring.”