Dr. Doug Cochrane, the physician leading the investigation into the quality of medical scans in B.C., has been informed of a third investigation, involving a radiologist at St. Joseph's General Hospital in Comox.

Ministry of Health Services staff brought the third case, which involves a licensed and credentialed longtime radiologist in the Comox

Valley, to Cochrane's attention and have asked him to include it as part of his ongoing review.

"I'm deeply disturbed by these developments and the concern this may cause patients in the Comox Valley," Minister of Health Services Colin Hansen, a G.P. Vanier grad, said Monday in a news release. "I want to assure them we will act swiftly to get the facts and ensure any medical follow-up that may be required is dealt with as quickly as possible."

The Ministry of Health Services and the executive of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) were informed late Friday by the CEO of St. Joseph's General Hospital of a concern with respect to the quality of CT scans read by one of their radiologists.

VIHA is in the process of identifying any impacted patients, their family doctors and medical specialists. Any patients in the Comox Valley who have concerns should contact their family doctor or HealthlinkBC at 8-1-1.

In addition, VIHA has assembled a team to quickly gather the facts around this case and prioritize any patients potentially at high risk.

As well, on the advice of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C., the Comox radiologist has withdrawn his privileges at St.

Joseph's.

The minister was advised of this situation Monday morning and immediately directed ministry staff to meet with Dr. Cochrane, the B.C.

Radiological Society, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. and senior representatives from the health authorities on an urgent basis to seek their input on any other actions that should be taken, focusing first on community hospitals where radiologists may be operating in solo practices to ensure they have appropriate peer

support.

"Dr. Cochrane is an expert in patient safety and quality care. His investigation will ensure all existing radiologists in the province have the appropriate credentials and training to ensure high-quality patient care," said Hansen.