New hospital suspends all of its radiologists after audit uncovers numerous errors

One hospital just suspended its entire team of radiologists due to concerns about the quality and accuracy of their reads. 

In total, seven radiologists have been suspended while ZNA Cadix hospital in Antwerp, Belgium, investigates a slew of missed or inaccurate diagnoses that took place between January and March, a broadcasting station local to the area is reporting. 

The errors prompted several physicians working for the institution to approach Chief Physician of the hospital, Katrien Bervoets. This triggered an internal audit, which revealed specifics of the errors and ultimately led to a more intense investigation. 

According to the audit, 24 “serious mistakes and inaccuracies” were identified in a group of 1,300 exams, including X-rays, CT and MRI scans. Among the errors were a missed bone fracture, a dilated blood vessel that was not reported on, mismeasurements of tumors and more. 

After meeting with the board of directors, Bervoets initiated the radiologists’ suspensions. 

"For us, the safety of the patients is the most important thing. That is why we did not hesitate to intervene immediately,” Bervoets said in a statement. “We do not want and cannot wait for the final report of the medical audit. We will investigate this to the bone." 

The investigation will look into all interpretations completed at the hospital over the last 12 months. In the meantime, radiologists who work within the hospital’s network or sister network will be filling in. 

The patients whose exams were subject to the errors have been notified. It is unclear whether it was one specific radiologist who made the mistakes of if multiple were at fault. 

The hospital shared a notice on its website detailing the investigation and addressing concerns that patients might have. That statement indicates that the investigation’s results are expected to come soon.  

"Patients who call on ZNA to receive medical help receive the highest quality of care,” Els van Doesburg, ZNA spokesman and chair, said in a statement. “That is what we stand for as a hospital. If that quality is compromised, we intervene. That's what we're doing here today.” 

As of right now, the suspension is expected to be temporary.