In the wake of disturbing reports over incompetent radiologists misreading scans, Northern Health is saying it's unlikely local patients who've undergone such tests as ultrasounds and CT scans will experience the same problems.
"We're confident that none of the radiologists [accused of incompetence] have ever practiced in Northern Health facilities," Eryn Collins, NH communication officer, said Tuesday.
However, if it turns out a regional patient's scan was examined by a radiologist in question, that patient will be advised.
"So if they don't receive a letter advising them of that, they are not impacted," Collins said.
Scans of more than 3,000 patients in Comox, Powell River and Abbotsford were given so-called false positives, meaning they were told they had a problem when none existed, or were told they don't have a problem when they were in fact ill.
These patients have been notified of the problem, and some have been red-flagged for immediate attention because their tests show major discrepancies.
Collins said NH's reaction to this matter is to co-operate with any reviews they are asked to participate in.
"We take the credentiality and [hospital] privileges of our radiologists very seriously and we have a number of checks and balances in place to ensure patient safety," Collins said of the three full-time and four part-time radiologists practicing at UHNBC as well as two from the Lower Mainland who come here to provide locum (short-term) services.
The two processes that allow radiologists to practice in B.C. involves the B.C. College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSBC) and the hospitals where they work.
The CPSBC issues a licence detailing the radiologist's education, training and experience as well as any investigations or disciplinary actions, practice restrictions, or other concerns.
Hospitals hire and grant radiologists privileges for them to perform procedures at the hospital based on their certification and experience.
In a statement Tuesday the CPSBC said the public can be assured that none of the radiologists involved in the misdiagnosed scans are currently practicing in the province.
Susan Prins, communications director with CPSBC, said although legal reasons prevent the college from commenting on individual registrants at this time, it can confirm a full investigation is underway pertaining to the three physicians.
"If this investigation leads to formal disciplinary action, the information will be made available to the public," Prins said.
