Queensland Health responds to Metro North Health review and Townsville HHS investigation

Queensland Health Director-General Dr David Rosengren has responded to Metro North Health’s decision to review the medical imaging results of 9000 patients and also commented on the recently announced investigation into Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s urology services.

Metro North Health review

“Patient safety is at the heart of what we do,” Rosengren said in a 30 September statement, “so I support Metro North Health’s decision to review the medical imaging results of 9000 patients managed by Caboolture Hospital’s Specialist Outpatient Department between 1 April 2023 and 4 September 2025.

“Due to a change in clinic processes it is possible that some results may not have been reviewed by their treating specialist, which is why it is essential any gaps in patient care are identified and addressed as soon as possible.

“I understand patients and their loved ones who may be affected by this will be concerned. I want to assure them their care is Metro North Health’s priority.”

Rosengren also said: “in line with my expectations, Metro North Health is taking immediate and important steps in response to this matter”. These steps include:

• a dedicated clinical team being established — to review medical imaging results to determine if follow-up care is required;
• any identified affected patients who may require follow-up care being contacted;
• a contact number for patients to call being provided as well as a website for them to access if they have questions about their care; and
• processes to improve the management of medical imaging results being strengthened.

In the context of the Townsville Hospital and Health Service investigation

In the same statement, Rosengren said: “I also understand the community may have broader concerns about the management of patient medical imaging results considering this matter and the recently announced investigation into Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s urology services.”

“While they appear similar in some respects, they are different and require distinct responses.

“The shortfalls in urology services highlighted local and system-wide pressures that required the need for a health service investigation and the establishment of a dedicated statewide urology taskforce.

“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.

“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. 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.

“It is why the review Metro North Health is undertaking needs to run its course. As is standard practice, I will be closely monitoring the review and its outcomes before determining any next steps.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Javi Sanz