Review uncovers errors in Manitoba pathologist's work
All of pathologist's cases in last year under review
Last Updated: Friday, May 2, 2008 | 3:23 PM CT
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The lab that handles diagnostic services for Manitoba's health-care system is conducting a review after errors were discovered in the work of one of its pathologists.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority says the pathologist made errors in seven of of 35 selected complex cases reviewed. Of 107 randomly selected general cases from February, two reports had to be amended.
The reports do not necessarily mean a change in treatment is required, said health authority officials.
Diagnostic Services of Manitoba has put the pathologist on leave. The doctors and patients involved are being contacted. Doctors will discuss changes in pathology diagnoses with their patients and inform them if there is a need to change treatment, officials said.
If patients require additional treatment as a result of the change in diagnosis, it will be expedited.
It would be "premature" to conclude that there is a "significant problem" associated with the pathologist, the WRHA said, noting that different pathologists might have slightly different interpretations when examining surgical tissue samples.
An external pathologist is now reviewing all complex cases related to this pathologist from last year.
In a news release, the CEO of the lab, Dr. Jim Dalton, said the issue was being made public out of an "abundance of caution," and said DSM is working with CancerCare Manitoba to ensure any issues are addressed.
The WRHA has set up a phone line for Manitobans with questions about the matter: (204) 788-8004.
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