Nervous N.L. patients fret over radiology review

Radiologists are reviewing thousands of diagnostic images handled by a suspended radiologist in southern Newfoundland, while patients fear the news they may receive.

The Eastern Health regional authority announced earlier this week it had suspended a radiologist at the Burin Peninsula Health Care Centre because of internal complaints about the quality of his work.

About 6,000 records including X-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans involving some 3,500 patients are involved in a review that will take more than a month to complete.

"You don't know what you're dealing with," said resident Theresa Collins, who is concerned that she may be contacted about her mammogram. "It's devastating."

George Hanrahan told CBC News about a conversation he had with a couple of Wednesday. "His wife got called back right away, and he was so devastated over it, he could hardly talk," he said.

The radiologist, who graduated from an African medical school more than 20 years ago and who started last November, has not been identified.

"This individual had concerns raised as to the accuracy of his reports and to that end, we need to go through a process to confirm that," said George Tilley, chief executive officer of Eastern Health.

"Until we actually do that, we are being respectful of the identity of the individual."

Tilley said Eastern Health has recruited frequently from the country where the radiologist had trained, and that the physician's credentials were in order when he was appointed.

Most patients likely had no direct contact with the physician, as radiologists review diagnostic images recorded by technicians, and then consult with physicians.

Doctors in the area are not commenting on the matter, and neither is the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Physicians and Surgeons, which controls licences that allow doctors to practice.

The health centre, located in Salt Pond, serves communities along the Burin Peninsula.

Sam Synard, mayor of Marystown, said residents have been alarmed by the suspension, which took effect May 10.

"We thought we were sort of immune to this kind of problem," Synard said.

"We live in a western, democratic society where health care is well-funded."

Kevin Lundrigan, the mayor of the town of Burin, said he is among the thousands who had tests done.

"I was totally shocked when I heard it," he said. "With those high numbers, everyone has a reason to be concerned."

Meanwhile, Eastern Health is hoping that 10 of its radiologists can turn their attention to the records handled by the suspended physician. Tilley said the review should take between four and five weeks to complete.