DI review under way in Northern Ontario

TIMMINS, Ont. – Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) and its 12 partner hospitals across Northeastern Ontario have undertaken a third-party review of their diagnostic imaging services.

The review, which began in late November, was initiated in order to develop a Quality Assurance Program consistent with other leading hospitals, and to build on the recommendations of the Ontario Minister of Health’s Expert Panel Review.

“Quality patient care is our utmost priority,” said Roger Walker (pictured), President and CEO of TADH. “This proactive review is part of a larger effort that began in 2012, with the goal of continually improving our diagnostic imaging function.”

TADH is partnered with the 12 other hospitals for Diagnostic Imaging. In 2012, Diagnostic Imaging Services at TADH conducted 133,400 tests (including CTs, Ultrasounds, MRIs, X-rays, mammograms, bone density, and nuclear medicine exams).

For the purposes of the third-party review, 8,000 CT, Ultrasound, and MRI scans from May and June of 2013 are being examined. TADH and its partners chose to assess those exams in order to have a representative sample that will provide information for the reviewers to base recommendations to the hospitals for future improvements.

The review is being conducted by an independent group of radiologists, Medical Imaging Consultants (MIC Group), of Edmonton, and is expected to conclude in March, 2014.

At that time, the hospitals will receive a report that will provide detail on the review, and identify any areas for improvement to their processes. The hospitals will use the recommendations to guide their decisions on future quality assurance programs, and any other improvements required to ensure the highest level of patient care.

“The Minister of Health has clearly indicated that Ontario is taking action to strengthen its approach to diagnostic imaging,” said Walker. “We are a part of that process.”