Watchdog launches investigation into hospital consultants after 300 women including 14 who later died were given 'too low' doses of breast cancer drugs Investigation underway into prescribing of breast cancer drugs at NHS Tayside It is examining two doctors involved in the care of more than 300 patients 14 of the women treated since December 2016 and March 2019 have since died By Kate Foster, Health Editor For The Scottish Daily Mail Published: 12:26 BST, 23 April 2019 | Updated: 12:26 BST, 23 April 2019 Viewcomments Breast cancer patient Lee Dennis, one of those who received a lower dose of breast cancer drugs, called for 'trust' to be restored between doctors and patients at the trust Two health board consultants are being investigated by a medical watchdog. The General Medical Council (GMC) has launched a probe into women being prescribed lower doses of chemotherapy than they should have been. The GMC, which regulates doctors, is investigating the prescribing of breast cancer drugs at NHS Tayside. The review is understood to be examining the conduct of two doctors involved in the care of more than 300 patients. A total of 14 women, who were treated between December 2016 and March 2019, have since died. The doctors prescribed lower doses of breast cancer drug docetaxel in an attempt to reduce serious side-effects and long-lasting secondary conditions. A Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) report found the dosage given to Tayside patients was lower than in any other health board area and that patients were not told of the variance. A GMC spokesman said: ‘We are aware of the concerns in Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s report and will carefully consider any issues raised against the professional standards we expect of doctors.’ Senior Tayside clinicians have repeatedly said higher doses prescribed elsewhere were ‘unacceptably toxic’ and insisted the treatment regime in Tayside was in the best interests of patients. The HIS report, including a dedicated risk assessment by an independent review panel, agreed the decision was taken with patient wellbeing in mind. But it found Tayside oncologists prescribed only 80 per cent of the dose of docetaxel that is standard across Scotland. A risk assessment report carried out for the Scottish Government and published last week revealed one person per year may have suffered ‘increased risk of recurrence’ as a result. It also found breast cancer patients were put at ‘significant’ risk by lowering their drug doses. Specialists from the Royal College of Physicians of London will visit Tayside later this month. Breast cancer patient Lee Dennis, one of those who received a lower dose and a founder of the NHS Tayside Cancer Care Support Group, said: ‘The GMC has a duty to maintain public confidence in the medical profession. ‘If any issues exist, they are best placed to advise. It is important trust is restored to the doctor-patient relationship. ‘Many patients and families feel as though they were deprived of fully informed choices about their treatment. This should give them confidence that all angles are being examined.’ Scottish Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs said: ‘The severity of this situation cannot be overstated. ‘It’s right the GMC investigates the matter thoroughly, whether that centres on individuals or the organisation as a whole. ‘Patients and families of patients who have died deserve answers and I sincerely hope this probe helps them achieve that. ‘We also need to be assured that nothing like this ever occurs in Scotland’s NHS again.’ Scottish Labour health spokesman Monica Lennon said: ‘This has been an extremely worrying time for the women and families affected. It is only right that this is investigated by the General Medical Council. ‘Whilst it is important the GMC gets to the bottom of this matter, it is vital the wider governance and performance issues at NHS Tayside are not ignored.’ An NHS Tayside spokesman said: ‘We are aware of this and are in regular contact with the GMC.’ Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility