Physician Under Investigation Amid Lung Disease Treatment Review

The General Medical Council (GMC) has confirmed it is investigating a physician who is central to a review concerning the care provided to over 200 individuals suffering from lung disease. An independent review, conducted by the Royal College of Physicians, is set to examine if the treatment administered to certain patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) at a hospital trust resulted in adverse outcomes, and “if so, to determine the degree of harm”. Veronica Varney was referred to the GMC by Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Trust in October 2023. She departed from the trust during that same year. Dr. Varney has been approached for a statement. The trust has issued an apology, acknowledging that the care provided to some patients “falling short of what it should have been”. A spokesperson for the GMC verified that Dr. Varney’s medical practice is subject to interim conditions while the investigation proceeds. These interim conditions stipulate that she may only undertake clinical work at a consultant level within a non-acute environment, must be supervised by a clinical supervisor in all her roles, and requires GMC approval before commencing employment in any non-NHS position or setting. According to a hospital report, interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) encompass a “broad spectrum of conditions,” with most of the affected patients having been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The report indicated that due to the median survival period after an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis being only three to three and a half years, evaluating whether harm occurred and, if so, its extent, “was not simple.” Issues identified included insufficient investigation, failure to refer to a specialist ILD multidisciplinary team meeting, absence of treatment, and unsuitable treatment. The hospital trust commissioned the Royal College of Physicians review, which is expected to last approximately six months, operating on the premise that harm was “likely to have occurred” in certain instances. Helen Maguire, the Member of Parliament for Epsom & Ewell, expressed her hope that the review would “help bring clarity, accountability, and the necessary steps to prevent such failings in the future.” Dr. Richard Jennings, the trust’s group chief medical officer, offered an apology, stating that the care provided to some ILD patients was inadequate. He further stated: “We have taken action to make sure this cannot happen again – including strengthening our safeguards and requesting an independent review by a panel of experts – and have also reviewed all those in our care during this period, to ensure patients are put on the correct treatment plan for their condition.”