Queensland Health has initiated an inquiry following a significant error involving two women who received incorrect cancer diagnoses due to a biopsy mix-up. Both individuals underwent biopsies in November after their mammograms at Rockhampton BreastScreen revealed concerning results.
In one case, a patient was mistakenly informed she was cancer-free, allowing her untreated tumour to persist for several months. Conversely, the other woman underwent unnecessary surgical procedures due to the erroneous diagnosis.
A spokesperson for Queensland Health expressed regret over the distress caused by this incident, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to patient confidentiality. They assured that both patients had been consulted, apologised to, and offered support. The spokesperson highlighted that actions were undertaken immediately upon learning of the mistakes to prevent recurrence.
Government minister Tim Mander also conveyed the government’s sympathies to the affected women, assuring them that efforts are being made to support them through this difficult time. He underscored the importance of preventing similar situations in the future and noted ongoing investigations to address the issue.
Despite this incident, the department is urging women not to shy away from the BreastScreen program. The spokesperson reassured the public of Queensland Health’s dedication to delivering high-quality care and the importance of trust in the healthcare system. They acknowledged that, while mistakes can occur, the community can rely on their resolve to rectify errors when they arise.