Queensland Health is currently contacting patients who underwent colonoscopy procedures with a private specialist at Goondiwindi and Warwick hospitals between 2023 and 2026.<\/p>\n
An audit by Queensland Health found insufficient documentation to show that the specialist’s colonoscopy procedures met expected standards.<\/p>\n
Darling Downs Health operates Warwick and Goondiwindi hospitals, where the private specialist performed the procedures.<\/p>\n
The audit found no evidence of patient harm because of the procedures, although Queensland Health is taking precautionary measures.<\/p>\n
The contact measures were initiated to inform patients of the findings and encourage them to come forward for follow-up care.<\/p>\n
About 92 per cent of patients affected by the recall accessed the specialist\u2019s services privately.<\/p>\n
Queensland Health has said it will contact all patients over the next five days by phone, letter, or email, starting August 28.<\/p>\n
Darling Downs acting chief executive Louise Van Every said patient safety was a priority, saying Queensland Health was taking “proactive” measures to contact patients.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet me be clear about the circumstances here. These procedures were performed by a private specialist who was providing services within Darling Downs Health facilities to predominantly private patients,\u201d Ms Every said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of the procedures performed showed gaps in documentation and did not allow us to be sure the procedures met expected standards for colonoscopy care.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe practitioner is no longer providing services in Darling Downs Health facilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cPatient safety is our priority, so Queensland Health is taking the proactive step of contacting every affected patient directly, including private patients, to make sure they are aware of the concerns identified and know where to go for appropriate follow-up care.\u201d<\/p>\n
The findings have been forwarded to the Office of the Health Ombudsman to decide on a course of action.<\/p>\n