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More patients affected by cancer treatment error at RAH


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12/08/2008 - The number of patients affected by a bungle in their radiation treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, has grown to more than 800.

An independent investigation is underway into radiation treatments for cancer patients at the RAH amid concerns that some were not getting an adequate dose for two years.

A check originally identified 720 patients who had been affected but further checks of hospital records have revealed another 114.

SA Health chief executive Tony Sherbon, said the independent review panel had already completed all of its field work, including interviews with staff and the checking of records.

"The review panel will now also look at these additional patients," Dr Sherbon said.

"Preliminary information indicates a number of these patients received only a handful of treatments on the affected machine and the majority of their treatments on other machines."

The problem with the RAH treatments was first uncovered in July 2006 when the hospital found that during the previous two years, one of its four linear accelerators had delivered a radiation dose five per cent below the recommended level.

When the error was discovered during a regular quality check, it was rectified with hospital management believing there was little impact on the effectiveness of the treatments.

However, concerns were raised about that conclusion last month, prompting the wider investigation.

Dr Sherbon said the review findings were likely to take several more weeks.

"The outcome of the independent review will be made public, and I will carefully consider any recommendations that come from the review," he said.

"The hospital will continue to work with all patients who have received treatment on this machine, including going through their treatment with their oncologist or providing further information."

Source: AAP NewsWire

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