Prince George, B.C. – Northern Health says a review of radiology exams (CT scan, ultrasound and general x-ray) from northwestern B.C. is now complete.

In February the health authority said it was contacting some patients who had undergone such exams at Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace between October 2016 and January 2017 after an audit of radiology exams found inconsistencies with the reading and reporting of medical images originally read by one radiologist.

A group of radiologists at Vancouver General Hospital re-read those images and results were  shared with physicians and their patients. 

Approximately 8,400 images were reviewed and 10.3% resulted in a different interpretation that is considered clinically significant. It is of importance that while differences in the results had the potential to alter follow-up and/or treatment, it does not necessarily mean there are clinical concerns or adverse health impacts to the patients affected. 

Northern Health says it cannot speculate or provide information as to whether there has been any specific adverse impact for those that will require follow-up with their physician.

The radiologist whose work was the subject of the review remains on voluntary leave. The results of the review and next steps will be considered by the Northern Health Medical Advisory Committee.