A radiologist’s work has been reviewed in a big investigation over a one year time span and the conclusion is that no deaths have been linked . The Niagara Health System says a patient complaint started a review that included over 4-thousand scans. The NHS radiologist, who is not being named was not working while the review was conducted.
The review was led by Dr. Brian Yemen, an external radiologist and a renowned leader in this area from McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences. A clinical review team made up of NHS physicians and nursing staff was also part of the review process, reviewing patients’ files and determining whether any follow-up care was required in the event any concerns were identified. The review involved 4,189 CT, MRI and mammography exams read by the radiologist between May 2014 and May 2015 and the findings were just released.
Conclusions According to review:
- There have been no deaths directly related to errors uncovered in the review.
- No mammography patients were impacted.
- Three patients – two who had CTs, and one who had an MRI – had a delay in diagnosis or treatment that impacted their health.
- Any additional patients identified as requiring potential follow-up care were also contacted, either directly or through their physician. All follow-up appointments at the hospital were expedited to care for these patients without delay, and a staff member supported them throughout the process.
NHS President Dr. Suzanne Johnston says: “We are deeply sorry for the worry we caused to patients in undertaking this review. I would like to express my appreciation to the community for its patience and understanding. I am very proud of the way our team came together on behalf of our patients and families. We worked very hard to ensure those in our care felt they were as well supported as could be throughout the process.”
It is reported the physician involved has stepped aside and is not working at the NHS.
Action Plan:
A community access line set up during the review will stay open for one week for questions members of the public may have related to CT, MRI or mammography exams performed at NHS between May 2014 and May 2015. The number to call regarding this is: 905-397-1905. Other action steps are still be worked on. The review can be seen HERE
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