Caboolture Hospital rocked by imaging bungle affecting thousands of patients

By Sheree Hoddinett

Caboolture Hospital is facing intense scrutiny after revelations that thousands of patients may not have had their medical scans properly reviewed, sparking public outrage and calls for urgent accountability.

A review is now underway at the hospital following revelations there were identified inconsistencies in how medical imaging results were distributed in their Specialist Outpatient Department.

Metro North Health has confirmed there are about 9000 patients without confirmation their results were reviewed or followed up. This includes surgical, cardiac, respiratory and paediatric patients who were referred to the Specialist Outpatient Department and underwent imaging from April 1, 2023 to September 4, 2025. The discovery came to light following the death of a cancer patient, whose critical test results were not actioned in time.

Hospital officials have apologised, admitting that changes to administrative processes meant some scan results were filed but not automatically flagged for follow-up. 

“We sincerely apologise for any concern this issue may cause and thank our community for their patience as we work through this process thoroughly and carefully,” Metro North Health Chief Medical Officer Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook said. “I understand this news may be distressing for patients and families and I want to reassure our community that this review is being treated as an absolute priority.

“We’ve taken immediate steps and introduced new robust processes to ensure imaging results are consistently shared with treating specialists going forward. Importantly, no medical imaging records have been lost. All results remain securely stored in each patient’s digital medical record.”

Acting Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Dale Last, released a statement in regard to the news. Minister Last said the Crisafulli Government was committed to healing Labor’s Health Crisis and this review must get to the bottom of what went wrong and what must be fixed.

“Metro North Health has committed to finalising the review for high-priority patients within two weeks, including identifying patients who may be affected and contacting them to provide follow-up care,” Minister Last said.

“Metro North Health’s actions to immediately strengthen processes around the management of medical imaging results are an important first step. Most important are the patients and their loved ones who put their trust in Caboolture Hospital to manage their medical imaging results. Their care and wellbeing must and will be prioritised, as the necessary work is done to restore confidence in the hospital.”

Metro North Health has confirmed that all affected patients will be contacted and reassured that urgent cases are being prioritised. However, community trust in Caboolture Hospital, already under pressure in recent years, has been further damaged.

Caboolture Hospital has established a dedicated hotline which members of the community can call to speak to someone about their results and next steps. Please note, only patients identified as requiring follow up care will be contacted.

If you are concerned, more information can be found on the Metro North Health website or by phoning the hotline on 07 5316 5163.