A major review of medical scans at Caboolture Hospital’s outpatient clinic has found 38 patients did not get follow-up care, prompting the health service to apologise again for the bungle.

In late September, Metro North Health admitted a change to internal procedures at the hospital’s outpatient department in April 2023 meant the scans of more than 12,500 patients may not have been seen by doctors. 

The problem only became public after the ABC questioned the health service about the issue affecting thousands of patients. 

The hospital and health service were first alerted to the problem in early September when a cancer patient, unaware they had advanced cancer, died after a five-week delay to receiving scans.  

Since then, a clinical team has been reviewing the patients’ medical images, totalling 21,491 scans, to find any patients who had serious findings but did not receive follow-up care. 

In a statement, Metro North Health said the review of those scans, initially expected to be completed by mid-October, was completed on November 9. 

“Thirty-eight patients have been contacted for follow-up, with Metro North Health working closely with these patients to ensure they receive the care they need,” the statement said.

“Metro North Health sincerely apologises to affected patients.”

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Contact Antonia O’Flaherty at Oflaherty.Antonia@abc.net.au or on antoniaoflaherty@protonmail.com

Metro North Health has not revealed the details of the conditions or health of the 38 patients, citing patient privacy and confidentiality. 

After discovering the issue, the health service said Caboolture Hospital had strengthened its processes to ensure all clinicians upheld a “rigorous approach” to reviewing medical images. 

“Patients are reassured that this thorough review process has identified any risk and all patients who need follow-up have been contacted directly,” the statement said.

“Our team continues to support patients who may have questions, with any patients encouraged to discuss directly with their treating team.”

AMA Queensland president Dr Nick Yim said it would be a “concerning time” for the 38 patients affected.

“We are advised that Metro North Health is providing them with direct support, but we urge any who have outstanding concerns to speak with their treating doctor or trusted, regular GP,” he said.

“Patients expect and deserve safe, timely health care, and we acknowledge the advice from Caboolture Hospital that it has strengthened its processes around medical imaging.”

All staff at Caboolture Hospital have since been advised about the process for reviewing scans, to ensure the problem does not occur again. 

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