EXTRA clinics and a telephone hotline have been set up at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for women who are worried about being recalled for breast cancer checks.

It follows fears that a junior doctor, who no longer works at the hospital, may have mistakenly given them the all-clear.

Letters were sent to 272 patients who underwent routine breast screening over 18 months from January 2011.

A spokesman for the Royal Bournemouth Hospital said: “We are continuing our thorough review of our patients who fall within this cohort. Patients will be contacted individually and we will continue to provide additional weekend clinics to ensure we offer appointments to all patients who need to be seen.”

The women, who were originally told follow-ups were not required, were asked to return for further checks after a junior doctor failed to carry out correct procedures.

The unnamed medic is now under investigation over his alleged lapse following complaints about his performance at the clinic up to July 2012.

Consultants who run the breast clinic raised the alarm as they were unhappy with the way the doctor conducted his initial assessment of some of the patients.

Solicitor Denise Broomfield from Bonallack and Bishop commended the hospital for its follow-up action.

“It is good to see consultants being open about the problem and recalling the women concerned.”

Denise, who has acted for a number of women who have had their diagnosis of breast cancer delayed, added: “My experience is that it can have an adverse affect on their health and life expectancy.

“As a general rule, a delay of six months does usually not have a long term effect, but a delay beyond that period can.

“Of course, everyone hopes that the women concerned all have clear results and that there is no harm done.”