Latest news with #IWK
Global News
13-06-2025
- Health
- Global News
Legal expert says malpractice fights tough to win when Canadian hospitals get it wrong
A legal expert says suing for medical malpractice can come with a long list of challenges. The comments come after a Nova Scotia woman says she was wrongly told she had terminal breast cancer just weeks after being told she had no traces of the disease. 'It really matters whether or not somebody fell below the standards they were supposed to meet,' said Wayne MacKay from Dalhousie law school. 'You'd have to find out: how does this normally get done? What's the normal practice? What did they do in this case? Did they fall below what was a reasonable standard? And that's probably the key thing.' This week, Gabriella Patey told Global News that Halifax's IWK Health Centre made several errors when delivering her breast biopsy results. Story continues below advertisement 2:58 Nova Scotia woman demanding answers after breast cancer misdiagnosis On May 17, the hospital said her results were all clear. Then two weeks later, she was informed she had advanced-stage breast cancer — giving her about 10 months to live. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy But then just days after that, she was told the positive results were sent in error and the terminal diagnosis was meant for someone else. 'I'm still completely traumatized from the whole experience. I still feel it now. I feel like I'm outside of my body,' she said. Patey says she's receiving legal advice about the best path forward. According to MacKay, medical malpractice is a high standard to meet. He says a civil action lawsuit would rely on whether there's proof the IWK operated below professional standards when handling the test results. Story continues below advertisement 'They've admitted she got a wrong diagnosis and that's a very serious matter, but that in itself isn't enough,' he said. 'She has to show that that happened in a way that was negligent. They didn't follow all the normal procedures or they did something or somebody did something that was inappropriate.' He says the psychological impacts of a false diagnosis could carry weight in court. 'The court has now evolved to the point where they do recognize that psychological damage is a serious matter too,' he added. Patey received a verbal apology from the IWK on Tuesday. She says she was promised written confirmation of the hospital's wrongdoing by Wednesday morning, but still hadn't received it by late afternoon.
CTV News
12-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
N.S woman receives apology following false cancer diagnosis
A Nova Scotia woman who received a false breast cancer diagnosis says she received an apology from the IWK. A Nova Scotia woman who received a false breast cancer diagnosis says she received an apology from the IWK. Just eight days after Nova Scotian Gabriella Patey claims she was told her breast cancer diagnosis was meant for someone else, she says she's received an apology from the IWK. 'I received a verbal apology yesterday afternoon and a formal amendment showing the correct diagnosis and that the 2nd diagnosis did not belong to my file,' Patey told CTV News Atlantic Thursday via text. Andrea Slaney, a spokesperson for the IWK, told CTV News Atlantic in an email Thursday they have been in contact with the patient, but cannot comment further due to patient privacy. Health Minister Michelle Thompson called Patey's situation 'stressful' at a cabinet meeting in Halifax Thursday. 'I know that the health-care system makes mistakes sometimes. I acknowledge that, certainly (with) my experience as a health-care worker, that has happened. What's essential is, number one, that we reach out to those patients when those things happen and we speak directly to them and understand the experience. And also, we then go back and look at the system and understand where that mistake or that policy or that standard wasn't met or didn't follow through,' says Thompson. Patey's story has touched others who say they went through similar experiences. Irene LeBlanc says she was told a lump in her breast was cancerous, and says she underwent a lumpectomy at another Nova Scotia hospital in 2011. She says she got a phone call from her family doctor afterwards, confirming it was not cancer. 'My family doctor was actually on vacation, and he had set me up. He said, 'I'm going to make sure everything's in place before I go (and) that you have the best care.' Which he did. And he actually called me when he was on vacation from England and said, 'Hey, it's not cancer,'' says LeBlanc. LeBlanc says she's still emotionally and physically grappling with the situation, and has a message for others. 'If I was ever to get a diagnosis again of any kind, I would definitely go for a second opinion. Because everybody makes mistakes, but this is not a mistake you want to happen to you or any of your loved ones,' she says. Thompson argues Nova Scotians should keep the faith in this health-care system. 'We believe in excellence. We believe in quality care and safe care. And there are times, in a system with humans, that mistakes will be made. And our responsibility is to understand the mistake, make sure we speak with families and patients and then improve the system… and that's how people can move forward and trust the system,' says Thompson. Gabriella Patey Gabriella Patey says she was falsely diagnosed with cancer. (Source: Vanessa Wright/CTV News Atlantic) For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Data centres in Johor explore alternative water sources
JOHOR BARU: Several data centres in Johor are exploring the use of alternative water sources – including waste water – in a bid to reduce reliance on treated water supply, says state exco member Lee Ting Han. The Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman said a data centre is already in the process of using such an alternative, with the help of Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) and Johor Special Water (JSW), a state-owned entity. 'Two other data centres are currently exploring the use of alternative water from IWK's sewage treatment plants and direct river intake as part of efforts to reduce reliance on potable water. 'We expect more to follow suit, as two other centres have expressed interest in it,' he said. 'We think they (data centres) would likely want to transition with or without incentives because switching to alternative water sources is good for their Environmental Sustainability and Governance profile,' he added. The state government previously gave assurances that steps have been taken to ensure domestic water users do not face interruptions, amid huge consumption by data centres. In April, Asia Pacific and Japan hyperscale data centre specialist AirTrunk announced a partnership with JSW to jointly develop a recycled water supply scheme for its Johor campuses. State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said all new data centre applications must be vetted by the Johor Data Centre Development Coordination Committee (JPPDNJ). Johor recorded RM164.45bil in investments from 42 data centre projects as of the end of last year, which also generated 6,145 job opportunities for locals. Of the 42, 13 data centres have started operating, 15 are under construction, while the remaining 14 have been vetted and approved by JPPDNJ, he said. 'The applications must comply with benchmarks set for power usage effectiveness (PUE) and water usage effectiveness (WUE),' he said. In Johor, the allowed PUE is 1.4 and WUE is 1.8, based on best practices in countries such as Singapore. Mohd Jafni said that the Bridge Data Centre, located within the Johor Baru City Council's area, is in the process of using 20 million litres of alternative water per day, with the help of IWK and JSW.
CTV News
09-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
‘Absolutely unimaginable': N.S woman says she was falsely diagnosed with cancer
Gabriella Patey says she and her family are traumatized after she was falsely diagnosed with cancer by a Halifax hospital. The 31-year-old claims it all started on May 17, when she says she had just finished celebrating after her doctor informed her that results from the IWK, a women's health centre, showed a tumour in her breast was 'completely benign.' 'We celebrated as my mother had just died of the same cancer a year-and-a-half prior. So, it was a huge relief,' says Patey. But the celebration was short-lived, as Patey says she received a shocking call from her doctor less than a month later. 'I get a call from my primary care physician that the IWK had made a mistake, and I actually did have metastatic carcinoma, which is a very grim diagnosis,' says Patey. Just as quickly as she got that call, Patey says she went into 'survival mode' and began making calls of her own. 'I told my friends, my family, my work,' says Patey. 'I put claims in through my bank so my bills would be taken care of. And I got my primary physician that put my name on the list for medically assisted dying. 'My number one priority was to make sure my husband was taken care of. And making sure he didn't have to watch me suffer, like I had to watch my mother suffer,' she says. But things took a turn when Patey says she received another phone call from her doctor last Friday. She says her doctor informed her there had been a mix up at the IWK and that she did not have cancer. Patey says she received a second opinion on Monday, with her doctor confirming she was indeed cancer free. 'This morning, I received a phone call from my primary care physician, the director of pathology at the IWK did a full investigation. She actually went and looked through all the slides and all the reporting herself and determined that my file had been mixed up with someone else's. So now my thought is (that) there's this poor woman that's walking around that was given hope that she didn't have breast cancer. And she does. And she has one of the most aggressive breast cancer out there,' says Patey. Andrea Slaney, a spokesperson for the IWK, told CTV News Atlantic in an email Monday that, 'due to patient privacy, IWK Health is unable to comment on specific cases. However, concerns of this nature are taken seriously and a formal investigation process is followed with engagement from IWK's Quality, Patient Safety and Patient Experience team.' Patey says she does not know what to believe and her faith in the province's health-care system is lost. 'We haven't been able to sleep. We've been crying ourselves to sleep every night. And now I have to go to my work, my family, and say, 'Actually, I don't have this terminal diagnosis.'' And the shame that I feel for having to do that, even though it's not my fault,' says Patey. 'Our health-care system is broken. We know that it's been broken for some time, but it seems like if something like this can happen, are we broken beyond repair?' Patey says throughout this process, she was never once contacted by the IWK directly. She says she intends on taking legal action. 'I'm a person, I'm a human being. I'm not a number in a computer system and to not even call and say, 'We are so sorry for what has happened here.' It's just absolutely unimaginable to me,' says Patey. Gabriella Patey Gabriella Patey says she was falsely diagnosed with cancer. (Source: Vanessa Wright/CTV News Atlantic) For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
The Star
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (June 7, 2025)
Malaysia: * PM Anwar seeks stronger Asean-GCC push to end Gaza atrocities * Another Malaysian haj pilgrim dies in Holy Land * Selangor Sultan calls for firm action to deal with haj scams * AG must disclose more details on NFA over Teoh Beng Hock's death, says lawyer * Penang govt to study decision on 5% discount for first-time homebuyers among Indian Muslims, says Sim * GRS intensifies preparations for 17th Sabah state polls * Fahmi Reza barred from leaving country, 'thanks' cops for unforgettable birthday gift * Penang new discount to boost housing sector gets called out * Keluang Man takes flight: Malaysia's own superhero finally hits the silver screen * Elderly pilgrims show unwavering spirit in stoning ritual despite physical challenges * Pakistan's Asean dialogue partner bid to be discussed with regional leaders, says Anwar * Embrace spirit of sacrifice this Aidiladha, says Chief Secretary * Pink, gaseous influent likely caused Penang sewer line blast, says IWK * Ringgit likely to trade within RM4.22-RM4.23 against greenback next week * Klang boat tragedy: Victims may not have been wearing life jackets, say cops * Remains of Port Klang boat tragedy victim leave hospital / Search continues for missing couple after boat capsizes Taiwan's Chou Tien Chen celebrates after wining his men's singles semifinal match against Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn at Indonesia Open badminton tournament at the Istora Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, Saturday, June 7, 2025. -- AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim Singapore: * Singapore's Nicholas Sim is crowned the first-ever Mr Nusantara, an inspiring winner at the age of 48 who overcame many adversities * Eight months' jail for taxi driver who crashed into elderly security officer, killing her * Singapore and the US still in early stages of tariff negotiations, says Vivian Balakrishnan * Singapore embassy in Washington seeking US clarification on Harvard's visa ban * Singapore's Nee Soon mosque reopens on Hari Raya Aidiladha after S$15mil facelift * Singapore's Home Team Career Centre evacuates 20 people after fire * Three new licence classes for driving automatic heavy vehicles to be introduced in Singapore * Liquidity boost for Singapore -- equity market looks set to turn the corner in the second half of the year Indonesia: * Badminton: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah storm into Indonesian Open final * Tang Jie-Ee Wei exit Indonesian Open in semi-finals * Search for victims of West Java quarry collapse in Indonesia terminated amid rising safety risks * Demand for Idul Adha sacrificial livestock drops amid economic slowdown in Indonesia * Indonesia faces brain drain as skilled graduates leave for jobs abroad * Thai Air Force boosts readiness with F-16, T-50 joint drills with Indonesia * Indonesia -- History revisited – or rewritten? South Korea's Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee play a point against China's Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning during their women's doubles semi-final match at the Indonesia Open badminton tournament at Istora Senayan in Jakarta on Saturday, June 7, 2025. -- Photo by BAY ISMOYO / AFP Thailand: * Life's a bliss: Thai Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata is just loves to be foodie when she is enjoying a holiday * M'sia supports June 14 Thailand-Cambodia talks, says Anwar / Thai PM thanks Anwar for offer to assist in border dispute * Thailand 'deeply saddened' by death of Gaza hostage, says foreign ministry * Thai DPM Phumtham issues four-point statement following Cambodia's refusal to decrease tensions at border * Thailand and Cambodia reinforcing troops on disputed border after May skirmish, Thai minister says * Thailand grants military control over border checkpoints with Cambodia amid escalating tensions * Thai Commander: Over 400 protests filed against Cambodian border violations Philippines: * Indonesia's FM calls for stronger Asean mechanisms after Vision 2045 adoption * Special feature - Philippine marine life under threat from industrial fishing * 30 per cent global ocean protection target not enough for marine giants, says study * Philippine unemployment rate hits 4.1% in April * Phivolcs sees rise in sulfur emissions from Kanlaon Volcano, Philippines Storm clouds are seen over an urban area in Hanoi on Saturday, June 7, 2025. -- Photo by Tran Thi Minh Ha / AFP Vietnam * Vietnam's Hanoi to host large-scale culture and heritage festival in October * More and more South-East Asian women are choosing Vietnam for fetal treatment expertise * Machucha missed birth of first child to be with Malaysian team ahead of Vietnam clash * Vietnam welcomes 9.2 million international visitors in first five months * Vietnam's trade surplus with US surges, complicating tariff talks Myanmar: * Coral reefs face race against time as climate change outpaces their survival, says study * China and Myanmar commemorate 75 years of ties with emphasis on bilateral cooperation, support * Myanmar junta says UN labour resolution politically motivated * Rice with disease-preventing flavonoids developed in Hainan, China * Child among 16 held in killing probe of junta retired military general Tourists enjoying a view at the Mahanakhon Skywalk rooftop in Bangkok, Thailand. -- Photo: REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Cambodia: * Thailand tightens border controls for tourists after Cambodia clash * Porn producers in Phnom Penh busted: 12, including a Malaysian, in custody * Thai-Cambodian fake news spreads: Government urges caution * Deepening Cambodian Muslim bonds on Aidil Adha * 'High-level' readiness if Cambodia row escalates Laos: * New Lao-Thai friendship bridge to enhance trade and connectivity, say top officials * New partnership to enhance vocational education, training in Laos * Laos sees drop in number of students for final exams Brunei: * Bruneian youth to participate in marine conservation in efforts to protect their marine life * Over 15,000 receive qurban meat in Brunei for Aidil Adha * Nationwide takbir in Brunei marks Hari Raya Aidiladha Teams compete during the International Dragon Boat races at Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade in Hong Kong on Saturday, June 7, 2025. -- Photo by May JAMES / AFP AseanPlus: * National Youth Day celebration to showcase elements of Asean * Foreign students feel at home celebrating Aidiladha in Malaysia * Pin Supu forest reserve is Malaysia's first terrestrial site on prestigious conservation list * Sabah to host international event on rural social enterprise from Oct 31-Nov 4 * Mahar carries out qurban programme in seven countries * Pakistan hopes to advance Asean partnership status: Envoy * US, China to hold trade talks in London on Monday (June 9) - Trump * Princess Kako visits Japanese Cultural Centre in Sao Paulo * Hong Kong's still 'over' but Stephen Roach says city a surprise trade war winner * Is China's promise of a new world order a self-serving power play? * Chinese spies at Stanford? US tightens visa policies over espionage fears * Paralysed Chinese woman falls for 'doctor' in rehab, he flees with US$420,000 loan * Man arrested for threatening to kill Delhi CM Rekha Gupta * Japan trade negotiator Akazawa says he made progress in US tariff talks * New Zealand sees sharp rise in Covid-19, influenza * Millions sit China's high-stakes university entrance exam * Int'l motorsports festival in Mongolia attracts 2,500 participants * Four BTS members to complete military service next week * China's foreign exchange reserves log growth in May * Trump says Xi to restart rare earth flows, sets date for talks * Bangladesh's Yunus announces elections in April 2026 * Taiwan condemns China's 'provocative' patrol * North Korea internet hit by a major outage, analyst says * South Korea's Lee, Trump agree to pursue deal on tariffs in first phone call * Nepal's US trade preference at risk amid growing tariff tensions * India's Modi opens strategic railway in contested 'crown jewel' Kashmir * Carney invites Modi to G7 summit despite strained ties between Canada and India * 'One hell after another': US travel ban deepens despair for Afghans awaiting visas * Yunus expresses hope for presenting the July Charter in Bangladesh next month * Japanese kids say they want to work in a cake shop when they grow up * Hong Kong principals slam popular schools' class expansion without consultation * Dengue cases surge past 6,000 in Sri Lanka in May as monsoon season begins * Australian cities offer free public transport to fill empty seats, ease cost of living pain * Tennis-Sinner faces defending champ Alcaraz in hotly anticipated French Open final / Sinner says rivalry with Alcaraz just the tonic sport needs
