Hawke’s Bay’s teleradiology service is safe

MEDIA RELEASE

1 September 2006

Hawke’s Bay’s teleradiology service is safe

Mr David Grayson, HBDHB’s Clinical Director surgery and quality and risk today reiterated that the after hours teleradiology service being trialled by the DHB for six months is safe. Says Mr Grayson “The radiologists employed by the company we are working with, Teleradiology Corporation of Richmond, Australia, are all American Board Certified radiologists. Our hospital credentialing group has reviewed the CV’s of all the radiologists undertaking our out of hours readings, and we will continue to monitor the process to keep it safe for our patients.”

Dr Win Bennett, acting HBDHB chief executive adds “The credentials of American Board Certified radiologists are of a recognised international standard. The site from which a radiologist reports is irrelevant and in fact recently three radiologists who were on short term contract to HBDHB were American Board Certified and had been approved by the Medical Council to practice in New Zealand.”

In the future, the ability to provide ongoing timely radiology services will rely more and more on teleradiology services as the volume of work increases and the world wide shortage of radiologists remains an issue.

Says Mr Grayson “Our patients can be assured that appropriate standards are being followed. The radiologists providing the out of hours service are very well qualified and internationally credentialed. Teleradiology reports are second read by a New Zealand registered radiologist who signs off the final report. All examinations are checked and finalised within 24 hours.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media