Lawyer says 'rheumatology patients let down again'

A legal firm representing patients affected by serious failings in Jersey's rheumatology service says its clients had been "let down again" after the government chose not to set up a compensation scheme.

An independent report in 2023 found some rheumatology patients were wrongly diagnosed and given inappropriate medication.

Lawyers said a "significant number" of patients were seeking legal redress.

The Health Department said it had been looking into a compensation scheme but no such route was currently available.

Giles Emmanuel, a partner at law firm Viberts, said the government decision was "surprising" and "bitterly disappointing".

He said: "You can understand how difficult it must be for them to have been let down once and now it feels like they have been let down again."

However, he added the firm "remains committed" to helping rheumatology patients.

He said: "Because they have received one of these letters, it does not mean the end. In fact, for many, it means the opposite.

"We have a number of ways of progressing claims, including taking matters through the Royal Court.

"All is not lost.

The Health Department said patients and relatives should "seek independent on-Island legal advice" if they wanted to claim compensation.

It also said that Citizens Advice Jersey might be able to provide further information on how to do this.

The department said 12 of the recommendations made in the review of rheumatology services had been implemented, with a further five nearing completion.