"After reviewing more than 6,000 of Dr. Olive Williams' cases, investigators say they had concerns about "potential adverse" consequences of certain diagnoses and the quality of some of her reports.
They recommended that the College of Physicians and Surgeons consider assessing the competency of Williams if she decides to resume clinical practice in Ontario.
Their 74-page report also cleared Dr. Barbara Heartwell, the surgeon who removed the cancer-free breasts of two women, saying she generally performed safe surgery and provided safe care."
THE CANADIAN PRESS;
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BACKGROUND: During the past two years, this Blog has reported on a crisis in Canadian pathology indicated by serious breakdowns in hospitals in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Ontario and elsewhere in the country. The purpose, beyond seeking review and reform, is to show that the wide-ranging problems with pathology in Canada were not limited to the criminal sector - and that serious errors, sometimes lethal, were being made in reading test results on living patients. In short, that there was a crisis in Canadian pathology.
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"TORONTO - Provincial investigators probing unnecessary surgeries at a Windsor hospital say they have "significant concerns" with the work of pathologist involved in a mistaken mastectomy case," the Canadian Press story filed earlier today begins, under the heading, "Ontario investigators find 'significant concerns' with work of pathologist."
"After reviewing more than 6,000 of Dr. Olive Williams' cases, investigators say they had concerns about "potential adverse" consequences of certain diagnoses and the quality of some of her reports," the story continues.
"They recommended that the College of Physicians and Surgeons consider assessing the competency of Williams if she decides to resume clinical practice in Ontario.
Their 74-page report also cleared Dr. Barbara Heartwell, the surgeon who removed the cancer-free breasts of two women, saying she generally performed safe surgery and provided safe care.
It recommended that the Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital also lift its restrictions on her practice.
The investigation began in March after two women came forward saying their breasts had been removed under the mistaken belief they had cancer.
Health Minister Deb Matthews called for the probe amid revelations that more incidents of unnecessary surgeries and incorrect pathology reports might be uncovered in Windsor.
The probe looked at Hotel-Dieu — where two unnecessary mastectomies were performed — as well as Windsor Regional Hospital and Leamington District Memorial Hospital."
The story can be found at:
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/ontario-investigators-find-significant-concerns-with-work-of-pathologist--99938154.html
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be accessed at:
http://www.thestar.com/topic/charlessmith
For a breakdown of some of the cases, issues and controversies this Blog is currently following, please turn to:
http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-feature-cases-issues-and.html
Harold Levy: Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog; hlevy15@gmail.com;
