WINDSOR, Ont. - A doctor who performed mistaken mastectomies at a southwestern Ontario hospital had her privileges restored Thursday, after the hospital imposed conditions it determined would ensure patients are not put at risk.
A panel had heard six hours of arguments from Dr. Barbara Heartwell's legal team Wednesday as well as arguments from the medical advisory committee at Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital.
The board announced it was restoring Heartwell's privileges -- with the condition that any elective cancer cases be reviewed by another surgeon for a period of three months, to be reviewed by the medical advisory committee monthly.
The committee is made up of physician leaders with privileges at the hospital.
"The board concludes that the conduct, performance and competence of Dr. Heartwell will not expose patients to harm or injury, nor is it reasonably likely to expose patients to harm or injury," said the decision, read at a news conference Thursday afternoon by hospital chairman Egideo Sovran.
The hospital said patients who do not wish to be treated by Heartwell will have the option of seeking another doctor in the area.
Heartwell voluntarily withdrew her surgical privileges on Feb. 23 after a second report of mistaken mastectomies came forward.
Three days later she withdrew her voluntary agreement and was suspended by the hospital.
A number of investigations were started after reports surfaced that two women who had mastectomies at the hospital did not have cancer.
Laurie Johnson, of Leamington, Ont., has filed a lawsuit after having a mastectomy at the hospital last November and then learning she did not have cancer.
Janice Laporte filed a similar lawsuit after having a breast removed by Heartwell at the same hospital in September 2001.
She can't discuss the proceedings because of a confidentiality clause but the court case has ended.
A provincial investigation will also look at other hospitals in the area.
