By Copy Link Share Via Email Share On X Share On Facebook Share On Whatsapp

Copyright news

Caboolture Hospital identified inconsistencies in how medical scans were distributed in their Specialist Outpatient Department between April 2023 and September 2025.

Authorities found about 9000 surgical, cardiac, respiratory and pediatric patients who were referred to the department and underwent X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds without confirmation their results were reviewed or followed up.

Queensland Health became aware there was a system issue with printed radiology results this month.

While electronic scans are available to clinicians at all times, results are also printed out and made available to doctors for review.

The department was alerted to the problem after there was a five-week delay for a person with advanced cancer to get their results.

Authorities found written reports were inconsistent for doctors in the outpatient department and scans from 9000 patients needed reviewing.

Queensland Health Director-General Dr David Rosengren confirmed the blunder was caused by a clinical process change.

“In line with my expectations, Metro North Health is taking immediate and important steps in response to this matter,” he said.

“The cause of the issue with medical imaging tests at Caboolture Hospital is clear and there is currently no indication this extends beyond the Specialist Outpatient Department.”

Dr Rosengren said a dedicated clinical team would review the results to determine if follow up care is required and affected patients who may require follow up care would be contacted.

“Our hospitals are staffed by some of the best clinicians in the country who come to work every day to care for people in need,” he said.

“Queenslanders can and should continue to have confidence in the ability of our public hospitals to deliver a high standard of care.

“There are rare occasions when we do not achieve that standard. When that happens, it is a sign of a healthy system that we own and review our mistakes and implement measures to prevent the risk of them happening again.”

Chief medical officer Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook said immediate steps were introduced to ensure imaging results were consistently shared with treating specialists going forward.

“We believe most of these records were reviewed and actioned. However, to be certain, we have commenced a review related to these patients to ensure they receive appropriate follow-up care,” she said.

“A dedicated expert clinical team is undertaking this work and any patients who require follow-up care will be contacted directly by Caboolture Hospital with clear information and next steps.”

Dr Rushbrook said she understood this may be distressing for patients and families, and wanted to reassure the community that this review was being treated as an absolute priority.

“Importantly, no medical imaging records have been lost. All results remain securely stored in each patient’s digital medical record,” she said.

“This review will be undertaken as a stepped process which we expect to take approximately two weeks for high priority patients. “

People can call a dedicated hotline about their results and next steps on 07 5316 5163.