A Queensland medical practice has been dealt a six-month suspension after providing ‘unacceptable’ spirometry testing to coal miners, forcing them to be retested.
Harbour Road Medical in Mackay on Queensland’s north coast has been suspended for six months after “unacceptable” provision of lung function testing for coalmine workers.
After auditing the practice, Resources Safety and Health Queensland found that almost a third of the practice’s spirometry testing – used to diagnose black lung and other lung conditions – did not meet quality standards.
According to the regulator, the practice conducted ineffective testing – including missing mandatory repeat tests – and kept poor records, which in some cases lead to misinterpreted results.
Overall, 135 patients were affected by the substandard testing.
RSHQ’s director of health strategy and compliance Patrick Jensen said high-quality medical spirometry screening in Queensland was essential for targeting black lung, which results from long-term inhalation of coalmine dust.
“The re-identification of black lung disease in Queensland in 2015 highlighted the importance of ensuring medical screening is of a high standard and the consequences when this isn’t the case,” he said.
Workers impacted by the practice’s inadequate testing are currently being contacted, as are their employers and doctors, Mr Jensen said.
“We’re recommending all those affected workers undertake repeat spirometry tests.
“While we always work with medical providers to improve screening quality through education and advice, we don’t shy away from taking appropriate regulatory action where necessary to protect workers’ health and safety.”
According to Mr Jensen, ResHealth – a mandatory digit record of health assessments used for coal miners in Queensland – continues to help ensure quality screening.
“ResHealth provides a centralised point for health assessment records, which has made the analysis of disease data easier and better allows us to conduct timely assessments of medical screening.”
