Investigators Find ‘Significant Concerns’ With Pathologist In Mistaken Mastectomy Case
Posted August 4, 2010 10:57 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Provincial investigators probing unnecessary surgeries at a Windsor hospital say they have “significant concerns” with the work of a pathologist involved in a mistaken mastectomy case.
After reviewing more than 6,000 of Dr. Olive Williams’ cases, investigators say they had concerns about “potential adverse” consequences of certain diagnoses and the quality of some of her reports.
They recommended that the College of Physicians and Surgeons consider assessing the competency of Williams if she decides to resume clinical practice in Ontario.
Their 74-page report also cleared Dr. Barbara Heartwell, the surgeon who removed the cancer-free breasts of two women, saying she generally performed safe surgery and provided safe care.
It recommended that the Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital also lift its restrictions on her practice.
The investigation began in March after two women came forward saying their breasts had been removed under the mistaken belief they had cancer.
