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Seven people have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer after health authorities conducted nearly 1,100 repeat colonoscopies for patients who received defective treatment across four years.
- An investigation revealed a series of incomplete colonoscopies between 2018 and 2022 in the Albury-Wodonga region
- A Safer Care Victoria (SCV) recall was launched in January focusing on Dr Liu-Ming Schmidt
- Almost 1,100 repeat colonoscopies were performed, with seven patients found to have cancer
Health authorities consulted nearly 2,000 patients during the now-complete Albury Wodonga Region Colonoscopy Recall.
The recall was first prompted by a Safer Care Victoria (SCV) investigation launched in January this year.
The investigation revealed a series of incomplete colonoscopies which were either performed or supervised by surgeon Dr Liu-Ming Schmidt, based in the Albury-Wodonga region, from 2018 to 2022.
SCV conducted 1,750 clinical reviews and 1,443 specialist consultations during the recall in collaboration with Albury Wodonga Health, Albury Wodonga Private Hospital, and Insight Private Hospital.
Where possible, preventative treatment was provided to 548 people.
A total of 1,084 repeat colonoscopies were also performed, with seven people diagnosed with colorectal cancer as a result.
Several patients were identified posthumously, but none have been found to have died directly as a result of their original colonoscopy.
While a causal link between the incomplete colonoscopies and diagnoses cannot be established, Safer Care Victoria chief executive officer Professor Mike Roberts said the recall has uncovered some distressing truths.
"No patient should ever come to harm in our health care system," he said.
"This recall has produced a remarkable yet necessary volume of work to ensure the safety of patients.
"It's now incumbent on us to work through the lessons learned to ensure it leaves a lasting change on the culture of safety at Victoria's health services.
According to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), Dr Schmidt is now not permitted to practice medicine.
In December, a coronial inquest into the death of an Oaklands man heard Dr Schmidt had conducted a failed bowel operation on the man and felt "out of her depth" in seeking to address her surgical error.
Albury Wodonga Health chief executive officer Bill Appleby agreed the process was painful but essential.
"This has been distressing for both patients and their families and we're deeply sorry for the significant impact this has had on their lives," Mr Appleby said.
"Our staff have been deeply committed in playing their part in this complex but important recall.
"I salute their work and that of Safer Care Victoria and both the Victorian and NSW departments of health who have all worked together to provide a seamless and supportive response for all patients."
SCV says all seven patients are undergoing treatment and is hopeful of their full recovery.
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