The disclosure that Newfoundland and Labrador's largest health authority lacks a formal quality review process underscores a need for a wide-ranging review, an Opposition politician says.

NDP Leader Lorraine Michael wants an external, third-party review of Eastern Health.
(CBC)

New Democratic Party Leader Lorraine Michael, who has been calling since last year for an external review of Eastern Health, said it was disturbing to learn last week that the authority still does not have a formal quality assurance policy.

An Eastern Health executive made the admission in Newfoundland Supreme Court, where the authority is fighting to keep two pathology lab reviews confidential at a pending commission of inquiry into flawed breast cancer tests.

Michael said a litany of problems at Eastern Health, which was formed during an amalgamation of seven hospital, nursing home and community health boards in 2005, warrant an investigation.

"I want a third party, who doesn't have a vested interest, looking at [the question], 'Is it too large?' I mean, that's one of the questions," Michael said.

She added that the latest revelation — following a series of storms, including a class action lawsuit and uncertainty sparked by the suspension of a radiologist who was found to have missed tumours and fractures — undermines public confidence in Eastern Health.

Health Minister Ross Wiseman: 'I've not been aware that they've been under-resourced in that area.'
(CBC)

Health Minister Ross Wiseman said it may take another two or three years for Eastern Health to work out its internal problems, following the board amalgamation.

However, Wiseman told CBC News that he did not know until last week's court proceedings that Eastern Health had too few people available to do adequate quality control.

"In terms of a very specific program, like quality assurance, you know, I've not been aware that they've been under-resourced in that area," Wiseman said.

"It hasn't been brought to my attention."

Michael said she finds that startling.

"That he didn't know that, it really says to me that the minister is not doing his job the way he should be doing it. He should know that," Michael said.