MONTREAL – Lakeshore General Hospital patients who were subjected to “potentially incomplete colonoscopies” by Dr. Gilles Bourdon will receive compensation stemming from a class-action lawsuit.
The case came about following letters that were sent to patients requesting they go for a repeat procedure.
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Patients who were seen by Bourdon between 2009 and 2012 will split the $400,000 settlement.
Class members who had a cancer diagnosed during the recall colonoscopy will receive $20,000.
Anyone who underwent a recall colonoscopy, and did not receive a cancer diagnosis, will receive $500.
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Patients outside the scope of the recall who, at their request, underwent a second colonoscopy arranged by the hospital during the recall period, but were not diagnosed with cancer, will get $500.
Patients who were sent a recall letter, and who can prove a recall colonoscopy was performed outside the Lakeshore Hospital during that time period, will receive $500.
CIUSS West Island said it has taken steps to ensure similar incidents don’t happen again.
“The establishment follows a continuous improvement approach for all of its departments and sectors. The endoscopy department (which includes colonoscopy) complies with Accreditation Canada standards and the Collège des médecins,” said representatives with CIUSS West Island.
“An exhaustive assessment of colonoscopy records is conducted on a regular basis to ensure quality (no defects have been revealed since the incident). Furthermore, the approaches have been standardized.”
“For example, pictures of the end of the colon are now being taken during the exam to confirm that the colonoscopy has been properly completed since 2012.”
The Collège des médecins du Québec confirmed to Global News that Bourdon is currently practicing in Verdun, but has a limited licence.
He is only able to perform administrative tasks and assist doctors in operations.