Results reporting issue

Some West Northamptonshire patients have received letters about a potential delay in their immunology test results being accessed by GPs.

We apologise to anyone who has been affected by this issue, which was caused by a technical problem where Northampton General Hospital immunology test results were issued to GPs but reminders were not flagged on their digital systems in the normal way.

Most hospital test results have not been affected. The only results affected are immunology tests for specific auto-immune conditions such as allergies, coeliac disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

A review into the issue has recognised that not all results were accessed by GPs. As a result, and as part of our commitment to patient safety, the health community partners involved (Northampton General Hospital, The Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board, and GP surgeries in West Northamptonshire) have taken comprehensive action to address the issue.

All affected patients are receiving communications from us, which outline to them what further action, if any, may be needed.

A new interface has been successfully commissioned which means that immunology results reminders are now being delivered to GPs again.

We can confirm:

• the majority of patients contacted by UHN have already had their hospital test results reviewed in primary care (GPs) and need take no further action

• all of the results, which did not generate a reminder for GPs, have been highlighted to appropriate GP surgeries and patients have been informed

• most patients had results within the expected range and have not required any further action

• all other types of hospital test results to GPs have not been affected. Only immunology result reminders to surgeries in West Northamptonshire have been affected.

Patients who have received a letter and have a query about it can contact us directly at ngh-tr.incidentresponse@nhs.net  or by phone on 01604 544403.