N.L. Health Board Knew of Breast Cancer Problems in 2005, Inquiry Hears

By Tara Brautigam, THE CANADIAN PRESS

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Newfoundland’s Eastern Health authority was aware its breast cancer testing lacked accuracy for two years before it publicly revealed the extent of the problem, a public inquiry into the health-care scandal heard Wednesday.

An e-mail to Joan Dawe, chairwoman of Eastern Health’s board of trustees, was entered as evidence, revealing that the health board was aware of the problem in July 2005.

“I will need to call you later today when I learn more, but we potentially have a major clinical issue on our hands, which pertains to the accuracy of laboratory testing for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer,” George Tilley, then Eastern Health’s CEO, wrote in the note dated July 20, 2005.

Tilley said the provincial health minister at the time was urging Eastern Health to go public about the errors.

“Very sorry to hear of the situation,” Dawe wrote in a response dated that same day. “I agree with making this public asap when you have the details. Let’s plan for briefing the board via conference call before this info becomes public.”

But it wasn’t until May 2007, after court documents were filed showing more than 300 patients were affected by botched tests, that the scope of the errors was revealed.

In earlier testimony, Dawe apologized to patients who may have missed proper treatment because of inaccurate tests.

“I’m very sorry for the pain and anxiety that patients and their families have endured,” Dawe said in an opening statement. “For this, Eastern Health apologizes.”

The inquiry is examining how 383 patients were given erroneous results on their breast cancer tests and whether Eastern Health responded to them and the public in an appropriate and timely manner.

The apology came after a week of heart-wrenching testimony from patients and relatives of deceased patients who said Eastern Health neglected to take responsibility for the mistakes and failed to offer a proper apology.

Dawe’s testimony came a day after the inquiry received a copy of an internal memo from Eastern Health’s communications director, who had urged the health board to get ahead of the emerging controversy.

In the e-mail dated May 16, 2007, Susan Bonnell warned of negative media coverage prompted by “less credible” spokespeople such as breast cancer patient Gerry Rogers.

“Just like the schoolyard bullies, an individual with an axe to grind feels uninhibited and will keep digging and digging,” Bonnell wrote a day after court documents were filed with the province’s Supreme Court.

“Moreover, a gang-mentality develops. I’m already seeing this amongst the press themselves who automatically (are) assuming that the organization is lying to hide the true facts.”

Bonnell also accused a spokesman for the Canadian Cancer Society of creating “a new level of fear and anxiety.”

Dawe said Wednesday she remains confident that medical officials with Eastern Health carried out their duties to the best of their abilities.

“Their motivation was first and foremost to provide the very best patient care,” she said. “That remains Eastern Health’s objective today.”

The inquiry is focusing on Eastern Health’s handling of hormone receptor tests, which are a valuable in determining the course of treatment for breast cancer patients.

If patients are found to be estrogen-and/or progesterone-positive, they may respond to hormone therapy such as Tamoxifen.

If not, they may be given other treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation.