Queensland Health has launched an investigation into urology services at Townsville University Hospital, with fears hundreds of patients have missed critical care and diagnostic testing over a three-year period.
The investigation was commissioned by Queensland Health director-general Dr David Rosengren under Part 9 of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011.
It was prompted by concerns about delays between the initial referral and diagnosis of patients, and the ongoing treatment of urology patients from 2022 until the end of July this year.
Queensland Health have launched an investigation into urology services at Townville University Hospital. Credit: Tony Moore
Rosengren said this includes reports of patients not being contacted about test results, “which we regret and for which I apologise”.
Urology services offered at Townsville University Hospital cover a range of conditions of the urinary tract, including cancers of the kidneys, bladder, prostate and testes.
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Townsville Hospital and Health Service acting chief executive Rex O’Rourke said the hospital review identified 11 patients as having gaps in their care, though admitted the total number of affected patients is “unknown at this point”.
“The Queensland Health independent investigation will cover a three-and-a-half-year period. Given this time period, the number of affected patients is unknown at this point, and it is what the investigation is tasked with uncovering,” he said.
O’Rourke said the investigation into the hospital’s urology services was “very disappointing for our community” and sincerely apologised “to every affected patient and family”.
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