More than 200 hospital patients will be called for a repeat scan to test their bone density after an independent review of patient notes by specialist consultants, the Government of Jersey has said.
A review of more than 1000 patients who underwent bone densitometry scans between January 2017 and January 2022 found « potential concerns » with diagnosis and treatment recommendations for some patients.
In 20 cases, patient care fell « below the level that would have been expected », while around 250 patients require a repeat scan to « monitor any changes to bone density ».
Simon West, medical director for Health and Care Jersey, apologised to those who had been affected.
He said: « I would like to sincerely apologise to any patients who have been affected and recalled for a scan as I understand receiving such news can be unsettling. »
Bone densitometry scans, also known as Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans use low dose X-rays to determine bone density, or strength.
The results are used to diagnose osteoporosis, assess a person’s risk of fracture and evaluate body composition.
A spokesperson from Health and Care Jersey said: « Potential issues with the reporting of bone densitometry scans were identified in September 2025 as part of work carried out during the review into rheumatology ».
West said a new independent review had been commissioned as soon as these « potential issues » became apparent.
« Following the findings of the review, we have worked as quickly as possible to contact affected patients and to recall them for another scan, » he added.
He said islanders could « have confidence » in the current DEXA service and their « swift action » showed they continued to address issues from previous years, while they were « open and transparent » when issues emerged.
The Government of Jersey said additional clinics have been arranged and Health and Care Jersey will begin inviting patients for a re-scan, with the aim for all to be seen by the end of May 2026.
It said patients should continue taking medication as prescribed by their current specialists and GP and attend their appointments as normal.
It said there were « no issues » for patients who had been scanned after January 2022, while patients who had not received a recall appointment by the end of April 2026 were also unaffected.
A separate, earlier investigation into the deaths of 182 rheumatology patients in Jersey since 2019 was called after an independent review was highly critical of the service.
Any patient who has concerns is advised to contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service.
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