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. 

Hannah murhphy headshot

In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.

Around the web

The newly approved PET radiotracer is expected to improve patient care significantly. “We have been able to reach the pinnacle of myocardial perfusion imaging with flurpiridaz," one expert said.

GE HealthCare's flurpiridaz, the PET radiotracer that recently received FDA approval, offers several key benefits over SPECT. Jamshid Maddahi, MD, discussed the details in an exclusive interview. 

Ultrafast MCE could go on to become a go-to treatment option for obstructive coronary artery disease, according to the authors of a new first-in-human clinical study.

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup