N.L. Health Board Exec Says She Believed Patients Were Told of Errors in 2006

By THE CANADIAN PRESS

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – A Newfoundland health board executive says she had no reason to question whether all patients affected by botched breast cancer tests were notified, despite media reports to the contrary.

Joan Dawe, chairwoman of the Eastern Health Authority’s board of trustees, told a public inquiry today she believed CEO George Tilley when he told her in 2006 that all patients were informed of the mistakes.

Dawe added, however, that as time went on it became clear that wasn’t the case.

Patients and relatives of deceased patients have testified that Eastern Health didn’t keep them in the loop about the test results.

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

It’s expected to conclude this summer.