Houston Healthcare statement regarding actions by Perry Hospital

May 10, 2010 -- On Friday, April 2, 2010, Perry Hospital discovered a discrepancy during a recent quality check of mammography tests. As a result, a broader review of the mammography program at Perry Hospital was immediately initiated by the Hospital's executive team. During that review, it was discovered that a radiology employee had processed a number of mammography tests done in 2009 and early 2010 without obtaining a reading of the tests by a Radiologist. To be conservative in our approach and absolutely certain that no one was overlooked, Houston Healthcare will have approximately 900 mammograms completed at Perry Hospital from April until early June 2010 read by a Radiologist to verify the results. This group includes the small percentage of patients impacted, as well as patients that had previously had mammograms in 2009 and 2010 at Perry Hospital.

Houston Healthcare has also contacted almost all of those patients by phone except for a small number which will receive a letter. The patients have been offered an opportunity to obtain another mammogram at no charge. The Hospital has also discussed the issue with the local physician community. The information related to individual patients is confidential and will not be discussed by the Hospital or any member of its staff.

We at Perry Hospital and Houston Healthcare sincerely apologize for and regret that the actions of one of our employees caused our patients inconvenience or concern. The Hospitals commitment to patient care remains its primary focus, and we will continue to work to address any concerns patients may have. If a patient has a concern and has not already been contacted, she should call 478-975-6500.

Our mission and commitment to the people of Houston County and the surrounding area remains the same - improving the healthcare of the communities we serve by providing patient-focused, high quality, cost-effective services while promoting health and wellness. We continue to be dedicated to providing the same quality of care the community has become accustomed to over the last 50 years.

Any further questions about Houston Healthcare's efforts to address this matter should be directed to its attorney Victor Moldovan at 404-443-5708.

###