Ontario Association of Radiologists' Statement on the Review of CT and Mammography Scans at Trillium Health

OAKVILLE, ON, Sept. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Ontario's radiologists are highly trained and skilled physicians working at the forefront of diagnostic medicine. Radiology is a critical medical service in Ontario's health care system. By its very nature, diagnostic radiology is complex and requires specialized training that enables medical professionals to provide the highest levels of care to a broad range of patients.

Each year in Ontario, radiologists perform millions of diagnostic interpretations. Although very rare, given the sheer number of diagnoses performed, misdiagnosis can happen. Fortunately, the situation at Trillium Health is an isolated one involving a very small number of CT scans and mammograms.

"We understand the system worked as intended so that as soon as concerns about the diagnostic accuracy of a radiologist were discovered, the necessary proactive measures were implemented which included an internal review, notifying referring physicians, and limiting the privileges of the radiologist to no longer provide services in the areas of concern", said Dr. Mark Prieditis, President of the Ontario Association of Radiologists.

The Trillium Hospital and its Department of Diagnostic Imaging acted swiftly to ensure that patient care was paramount.  The retroactive review provides an additional level of quality assurance and reflects the level of seriousness taken by Ontario radiologists.  This is in addition to the medical credential approval process, hospital privileges, and the complex quality assurance safeguards that are in place in Ontario hospitals as well as the Ministry of Health's Independent Health Facility Act quality assurance assessment program administered by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in Ontario's diagnostic imaging clinics.

"We are supportive of the hospital's decision to pursue a review of the diagnoses in question and believe Trillium Health's response to the concern is appropriate. Maintaining the trust and confidence of our patients is vitally important to us. While we await Dr. Yemen's findings, it would be imprudent to rush to judgment. This situation is complicated and requires due consideration by leading experts in diagnostic imaging", said Dr. Prieditis.

"We wish to assure every patient in Ontario that your radiologist remains steadfastly committed to providing the highest level of professional care possible, and that all Ontario patients should have confidence in their health care system.  Radiologists take these issues seriously and will ensure that any newly identified quality improvements are adopted", said Dr. Prieditis

SOURCE: Ontario Association of Radiologists

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