Medway Foundation Trust Launches Investigation After Nearly 9,000 ENT Patients Left Waiting

An investigation has been launched by Medway NHS Foundation Trust after it was revealed that nearly 9,000 patients referred to ear, nose and throat (ENT) services were lost from the system with some waiting as long as five years to be seen.

The affected patients were referred to ENT services provided by Medway Foundation Trust, which operates across the Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham and Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford. The Trust has confirmed that these patients were either awaiting an initial appointment or a follow-up consultation, diagnostic test, or procedure.

Around 20% of those affected are children, raising particular concern about the potential impact of delayed ENT diagnoses on development, particularly in areas such as hearing and speech.

What has the Trust said?

Medway NHS Foundation Trust has publicly apologised for the “unnecessary delays” and has commissioned an independent investigation to determine how these referrals were not appropriately managed. It is now reviewing all 8,849 cases to assess whether any patients may have come to harm.

Jonathan Wade, interim Chief Executive of Medway FT and CEO of Dartford and Gravesham Trust, said:

“We are very sorry for the unnecessary delay experienced by some of our ENT patients. We are in the process of contacting patients to apologise and make arrangements for them to be seen as quickly as possible.”

The Trust also stated that all referrals were reviewed by a clinician at the time and assessed as routine, with no urgent red flags, such as cancer, being identified. Nevertheless, they have acknowledged that stronger oversight and better systems are now being implemented to prevent similar issues in the future.

Why do delays matter?

Andrew Hesketh, the Head of the Group Action team at Fletchers Solicitors, said:

“Although the Trust has stated that no urgent concerns were flagged at the time of referral, we regularly see cases where delays in diagnosis or treatment, even for non-urgent conditions, can have a profound impact on people’s lives.”

He highlighted several potential consequences of such delays, including:

• Extended periods of pain and worsening symptoms while conditions remain undiagnosed and untreated
• A reduced range of treatment options when care is eventually provided- some conditions are only treatable within a short window
• The need for more invasive or extensive treatment due to deterioration over time
• Increased risk of complications and longer-term health issues
• Poorer overall outcomes than if treatment had been delivered in a timely fashion
• Significant emotional distress caused by uncertainty and prolonged symptoms
• In children, especially with ENT conditions, delays can impact speech and hearing development; potentially affecting their long-term education and wellbeing

We’re here to help

Fletchers Solicitors is already hearing from individuals who believe delays may have negatively affected their health or quality of life.

If you or a loved one has experienced significant delays in ENT treatment at Medway Maritime or Darent Valley Hospital and believe it has caused harm or worsened a condition, our specialist medical negligence lawyers may be able to help.

We understand that not every delay will result in lasting harm- but where it does, patients deserve answers, support, and where appropriate, compensation. Our team can assess your circumstances and advise whether we believe you have a case.

To speak confidentially with one of our legal experts, please contact us today.