In November, SWSPHN distributed an email to general practices across South Western Sydney on behalf of Healthcare Complaints Commission and Northern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit advising of an investigation into a patient complaint about Medsound Diagnostic Imaging, Hornsby.
The investigation found that an unregistered person was performing ultrasound procedures and writing reports, and that there were unsatisfactory infection control procedures.
The period of concern is between 31 January 2017 and 20 November 2020.
The two identified risks to patients are the potential for misdiagnosis on imaging, and the potential for patient-to-patient spread of BBVs and other infections.
To read our 24 November 2020 alert
As a precaution, NSW Health has now written to all patients (about 2800 individuals) and their GPs recommending that people who have had certain procedures undergo screening for BBVs.
If your patient had any of the following procedures, please discuss screening for blood borne viruses (hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV):
• Transvaginal/transrectal ultrasounds
• Orbital/periorbital ultrasounds
• Ultrasounds of non-intact skin
• Procedures involving injections or surgical procedures