Caboolture Hospital to review medical scans amid concerns about outpatient service
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The medical imaging results of up to 9,000 patients may not have been properly reviewed by doctors at a south-east Queensland hospital, the health department has confirmed.
Following questions from the ABC, Metro North Health confirmed that Caboolture Hospital became aware of the problem involving how medical imaging results were recorded and shared within its specialist outpatient department in early September.
Metro North Health apologised to patients after being contacted by the ABC.
A spokesperson said an expert clinical team had since been set up to review the cases, beginning with the most at-risk patients "to ensure any potential risks to patients are addressed swiftly and thoroughly".
The issue, described by Metro North Health as "a gap" in how results were distributed, stemmed back to an internal change in processes in April 2023, which altered how results were communicated.
It said that while patient results were provided both electronically and via fax from an external imaging provider, the faxed copies were not consistently provided to the requesting specialist.
"No records were lost and all medical imaging remains on patients' files," the spokesperson said.
"We are proactively reviewing images relating to approximately 9,000 patients, starting with the highest-risk.
"We can confirm many of these images had already been reviewed when patients attended their outpatient appointments."
The ABC sought to clarify how many patients' scans had not been reviewed, but the health service did not provide a number when asked.
"We are following a clear, clinically led process to ensure all results are checked and appropriate follow-up care is arranged," a spokesperson said.
Metro North Health said all patients affected by the issue would be contacted directly.
"The safety of our patients is our highest priority and we sincerely apologise for any distress caused," the statement said.
"Metro North Health are committed to resolving this issue with utmost transparency and care."
Late on Monday evening, Metro North Health Service issued a statement on its website explaining the bungle.
It said patients in highest risk areas — general surgery, respiratory, cardiology and paediatrics — were being reviewed first, and while all 9,000 patient scans were being examined, not all of the reviews would result in a follow up.
The update provided a hotline for concerned patients who had attended the Caboolture Hospital Specialist Outpatient Department, urging them to call 07 5433 8888.
Caboolture Hospital has been the subject of several reviews in previous years, including of its surgical services and paediatric care.
It comes after a separate issue emerged on Monday involving patients not receiving test results or follow-up care at Townsville Hospital.
The bungle affected at least 11 urology patients, some of whom had cancer.
Written by Antonia O'Flaherty, ABC News.
Following questions from the ABC, Metro North Health confirmed that Caboolture Hospital became aware of the problem involving how medical imaging results were recorded and shared within its specialist outpatient department in early September.
Metro North Health apologised to patients after being contacted by the ABC.
A spokesperson said an expert clinical team had since been set up to review the cases, beginning with the most at-risk patients "to ensure any potential risks to patients are addressed swiftly and thoroughly".
The issue, described by Metro North Health as "a gap" in how results were distributed, stemmed back to an internal change in processes in April 2023, which altered how results were communicated.
It said that while patient results were provided both electronically and via fax from an external imaging provider, the faxed copies were not consistently provided to the requesting specialist.
The cases involve patients who underwent surgical, cardiac, respiratory and paediatric imaging and had been referred to the Caboolture Hospital Specialist Outpatient department.
"No records were lost and all medical imaging remains on patients' files," the spokesperson said.
"We are proactively reviewing images relating to approximately 9,000 patients, starting with the highest-risk.
"We can confirm many of these images had already been reviewed when patients attended their outpatient appointments."
The ABC sought to clarify how many patients' scans had not been reviewed, but the health service did not provide a number when asked.
"We are following a clear, clinically led process to ensure all results are checked and appropriate follow-up care is arranged," a spokesperson said.
Metro North Health said all patients affected by the issue would be contacted directly.
"The safety of our patients is our highest priority and we sincerely apologise for any distress caused," the statement said.
"Metro North Health are committed to resolving this issue with utmost transparency and care."
Late on Monday evening, Metro North Health Service issued a statement on its website explaining the bungle.
It said patients in highest risk areas — general surgery, respiratory, cardiology and paediatrics — were being reviewed first, and while all 9,000 patient scans were being examined, not all of the reviews would result in a follow up.
The update provided a hotline for concerned patients who had attended the Caboolture Hospital Specialist Outpatient Department, urging them to call 07 5433 8888.
Caboolture Hospital has been the subject of several reviews in previous years, including of its surgical services and paediatric care.
It comes after a separate issue emerged on Monday involving patients not receiving test results or follow-up care at Townsville Hospital.
The bungle affected at least 11 urology patients, some of whom had cancer.
Written by Antonia O'Flaherty, ABC News.
