August 29, 2022
Central Health wishes to provide an update on the multi-patient occurrence that was reported on last week concerning the viewing of some mammograms on workstations that do not meet technical standards specifically for the review of mammography images. We apologize to all affected patients for the concern this occurrence has caused, and we are committed to regular communication on this topic.
A sample review conducted by Central Health suggests the occurrence presents a low risk to patients; however, out of an abundance of caution, Central Health has retained a radiologist to review these images. A full review is underway.
As of August 26, we can confirm that the images of 837 patients have been reviewed and four potential discrepancies or differing interpretations have been detected.
We are still gathering information about this occurrence and are currently in the initial phases of an internal quality review. Please be assured that Central Health is taking all the required steps to address this occurrence in a timely and thorough manner.
Given feedback we have received, we would like to provide some further clarification for patients. We understand this is concerning for those involved, and we want to be as clear and responsive as possible.
The occurrence pertains to the interpretation of mammography images and not the images themselves or the way the exam was conducted.
Images under review were captured at the James Paton Memorial Hospital and Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre. Images captured at the Breast Screening Program, Roe Avenue, Gander are not involved in this review.
We want to reassure everyone that only workstations that meet the technical standards for mammogram interpretation are now being used for the review of mammography images across Central Health. Current and future mammograms will not be affected by this occurrence.
As a reminder, if you are a patient whose mammography images are under review, please know that Central Health has reached out by letter to directly inform you of this review. These letters were mailed on August 25, 2022. Patients whose images do not show any potential discrepancies or differing interpretations will also receive a letter from Central Health by the end of September verifying this.
For those patients whose images show potential diagnostic discrepancies or differing interpretations, Central Health will be reaching out to their primary health care provider, contacting the patient by phone, and following up with a letter, in which to date 4 patients have been contacted. These measures would be taken as soon as Central Health is aware to make them aware of next steps.
A toll-free line for those with questions is available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily at 1-833-960-4571.
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Media contact:
Gayle St. Croix
Director, Communications and Government Relations
