MORE patients could have been recalled to Royal Bournemouth Hospital following concerns over the way their breast cancer consultations were carried out.

In May, the Trust confirmed hundreds of women had been advised to return for repeat assessments after their initial examinations “potentially did not meet our usual high standards”.

The matter, which is now the subject of two investigations, was raised on Friday at the trust’s board of directors meeting.

Director of nursing, Paula Shobbrook, told the directors that all the patients seen by this doctor were invited back to clinics on May 4, 5, 6, 11, 17, 18 – which included some weekends.

The trust has also brought in external consultants to help with the assessments.

Ms Shobbrook said: “Our surgeons also have been incredibly helpful along with our radiologists, nurses and outpatients staff.

“The feedback from the patients has been positive. They have been pleased that we have been open with them.”

She said patients who were seen by the doctor through other “care pathways” have also been assessed.

“We have undertaken some further clinics and invited some further patients back for reassurance to look in depth at their cases.

“This is a briefing in progress. I feel comfortable with the work that has been done”, she added.

Initially a total of 272 women who attended the hospital’s breast clinic between January 2011 and July 2012 and were told there was no need for a follow-up appointment, were invited back for a further consultation.

But when the Daily Echo asked for updated figures on the number of patients recalled as part of the investigation, the Trust said these would not be available until the review is complete.

Hospital bosses say they have “no evidence” of any harm to the patients seen by this junior doctor.

The doctor, who no longer works at the hospital, is now being investigated by the General Medical Council and the Trust has asked the Royal College of Surgeons to help in a review.