An independent review has found serious failings in the care of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, with some patients suffering avoidable harm and premature death.

The review focused on the care provided by former respiratory consultant Dr Veronica Varney between 2019 and 2022. It concluded that failures to follow recognised clinical guidance and delays in providing appropriate treatment may have contributed to poor patient outcomes at the south London hospital.

What did the review find?

The independent review, carried out by the Royal College of Physicians, examined 28 patient cases and found that the care provided may have contributed to:

• Three premature deaths.
• Twelve cases of severe or permanent harm.
• Seven cases of moderate harm.
• One case of low-level harm.

The reviewers identified a number of recurring concerns, including:

• Delays in diagnosing and treating interstitial lung disease.
• Failure to refer patients to specialist multidisciplinary teams.
• Delays in prescribing appropriate antifibrotic medication.
• Treatment decisions that did not follow accepted clinical guidance or evidence-based treatment.

The Trust's own investigation also identified concerns affecting 216 patients, with many not receiving appropriate investigations, specialist referrals or evidence-based treatment.

The Trust failed to act on concerns raised in 2019 due to strained relationships between clinical leads making a challenging environment for staff to raise and respond to such concerns. The Trust has publicly apologised and reassures the current respiratory team is well-positioned to drive meaningful improvements.

What does this mean for patients?

Interstitial lung disease is a group of serious conditions that cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. Although there is currently no cure for many forms of ILD, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can slow disease progression, improve quality of life and, in some cases, prolong survival.

Delays in treatment or failure to follow accepted standards of care can allow the condition to progress unnecessarily, potentially leading to avoidable harm.

Could you have a medical negligence claim?

Not every poor medical outcome is the result of negligence. However, if substandard treatment caused your condition to worsen or contributed to the death of a loved one, you may be entitled to bring a medical negligence claim.

Potential claims could include:

• Delayed diagnosis of interstitial lung disease.
• Failure to refer to a specialist respiratory team.
• Delays in appropriate treatment.
• Avoidable progression of lung disease.
• Fatal medical negligence claims.

Every case is different and will depend on the individual circumstances and independent expert medical evidence.

The Trust has confirmed that it referred Dr Varney to the General Medical Council (GMC), which regulates doctors in the UK. Any regulatory investigation is separate from a civil medical negligence claim, and patients may still be entitled to pursue compensation regardless of the outcome of GMC proceedings.

How we can help

If you or a family member received treatment for interstitial lung disease at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, our specialist medical negligence solicitors can advise whether there are grounds to investigate a claim.

We can review your medical records, obtain independent expert evidence and explain your legal options. If negligent care caused avoidable harm, we can help you pursue compensation while seeking answers and accountability.

Medical negligence claims are generally subject to strict limitation periods, so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you believe substandard treatment may have caused avoidable harm. If you have concerns about treatment received at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, contact our clinical negligence team today for confidential advice.