Nearly 900 patients contacted after colonoscopy audit

Queensland Health is in the process of contacting almost 900 patients who had colonoscopy procedures at two southern Queensland hospitals after it was found that a doctor may not have met expected standards of care. The health department says an audit raised questions about a private specialist's procedures at Goondiwindi and Warwick hospitals between 2023 and 2026. The quality assurance audit identified 890 patients whose procedures may not have met the expected standard of care. The specialist is no longer providing colonoscopy services within Darling Downs Health facilities, and a referral has been made to the Office of the Health Ombudsman. Darling Downs Health acting chief executive Louise Van Every said there was no evidence that any patients had been harmed. "Some of the procedures performed showed gaps in documentation and did not allow us to be sure the procedures met expected standards for colonoscopy care," she said. Ms Van Every said the department was being proactive and contacting all impacted patients, despite 92 per cent being private patients. "To make sure they are aware of the concerns identified and know where to go for appropriate follow-up care," she said. [Image text:] Queensand Heth HAZCHEN Goondiwindi Hospital Ph0745782400 Main Entrance HAZMAT