MORE than 800 people called a helpline set up in the wake of blunders made by Princess Margaret Hospital consultant Dr James Elwood.
The phone line was set up after it was revealed Dr Elwood, who was working as a locum at PMH at the age of 77, made mistakes while analysing tissue samples.
More than 220 patients were given the wrong information following work carried out by Dr Elwood.
They were among 7,079 patients in the Swindon area who had tissue samples taken between January 1994 and February 1999 which needed re-examination following doubts over Dr Elwood's performance.
Some who were given the all clear following tests carried out by the consultant have become seriously ill.
Others who were told they were suffering from illnesses including cancer were later told there was never anything wrong with them.
Director of nursing Elaine Strachen-Hall told a board meeting of Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust that the calls had now virtually dried up, although the helpline remains in operation.
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