Accreditation

MRI unit shut down after patients receive mysterious burns

Accreditation Connection, December 21, 2009

Three patients who received MRIs from The Moncton Hospital suffered from mysterious burns over a period of seven days, according to the Time and Transcript. Two of the patients' burns resemble blistering sunburns, while the third patient suffered from a second-degree burn.

The equipment has been shut off since the incidents occurred in November, but an investigation determined that there is no definite cause of the burns. The MRI equipment's manufacturer reviewed the machine and said it is working as designed.

Despite regional health authorities efforts to implement corrective measures and precautions to limit the possibility of more burns, many staff members are hesitant to move forward with the machine because the origin of the burns is still unknown.

"We share the view of the importance on patient safety and the quality of care and we would share the view that service will not begin before all parties are satisfied," said Roy Tingley, MD, medical director of The Moncton Hospital's medical imaging department. "We would not compromise on patient safety in an early effort to resume service."

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