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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-10-18 Daily Xml
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LYELL MCEWIN HOSPITAL COLONOSCOPE

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Southern Suburbs, Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts) (15:22): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.D. HILL: I have directed SA Health to undertake an independent review into the incomplete disinfection of a colonoscope at the Lyell McEwin Hospital. This review will also look at the broader practices in place that govern the auditing and disinfection of colonoscopes at the Lyell McEwin Hospital.

We have received some early advice from the Lyell McEwin Hospital regarding this matter. I am advised the scope in question was removed from use on 6 October this year at the first notification that gastrointestinal bacteria, which is found in everyone's bowel, had been detected. Further microbiological samples were collected and results also showed bacterial growth on 8 October 2011. Confirmation of the type of bacteria was received on 10 October 2011. The bacteria in question does not present any health risk but indicates incomplete disinfection.

I am told that, because the bacteria had survived two series of processing (one prior to each test sample), there was concern that viruses might also be able to survive. As such, tests for enteric viruses—that is, viruses relating to the intestines—were undertaken on 11 October 2011, and the results obtained on 13 October 2011 showed no viruses. IMVS advise that it is not possible to accurately check for blood-borne viruses.

Final advice from the infectious disease physician regarding potential outcomes for patients and options for screening was received on 13 October. The hospital advises that it confirmed a final list of 56 affected patients on Monday 17 October (that is, yesterday) and began contacting these patients on that date to offer precautionary screening. SA Health's Chief Medical Officer Professor Paddy Phillips has today conducted a media conference, and I table a copy of his statement. Professor Phillips has stressed that the risk of transmission of any infection is extremely low.

I am aware that this will be of concern to those patients involved, and their families, of course, and I have been advised that, while there is no clinical urgency for patients to undertake the precautionary screening, the hospital is arranging for patients to be screened as soon as possible for their own peace of mind.

I am advised that the colonoscope was sent to Olympus for repair in March 2011 for rectification of a leak found in the distal tip. The scope was returned to the Lyell McEwin Hospital in May 2011 and the first procedure with the scope was undertaken on 9 May this year. The 56 patients had a colonoscopy with the instrument in question between 9 May and 6 October this year. The hospital has indicated that all endoscopes and colonoscopes should be routinely screened and audited approximately every three months for bacterial contamination as per Gastroenterological Society of Australia guidelines.

My office has been advised that routine screening of the colonoscope in question and four other scopes due to take place in June this year were missed and the reasons for this are unclear. The four other scopes have since tested negative for gastrointestinal bacteria in October. I am told that the hospital has been reviewing processes within the gastroenterology unit and has contacted Olympus, the supplier of the scope, to ask that they review the scope for potential damage that might have enabled bacterial growth.

Therefore, I am advised that this issue is limited to just one of the hospital's 16 colonoscopes, and that other patients who have had a colonoscopy at Lyell McEwin Hospital during this period are not affected. I am further advised that the presence of bacteria will not impact the results of the colonoscopy and the procedures will not need to be repeated. Members will be aware that colonoscopies are performed to identify and treat problems with the colon.

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