Dr Liu-Ming Schmidt’s patients receive follow-up care after botched procedures

More than 1100 people have received follow-up care after a banned Albury surgeon’s colonoscopy debacle.

All victims of a four year, 2000 person colonoscopy debacle in Albury have been contacted.

Albury’s Dr Liu-Ming Schmidt was banned from practising medicine after it was revealed in January she conducted just under 2000 incomplete colonoscopies over four years.

A Safer Care Victoria spokesman said the department was overseeing the recall in the Albury Wodonga region to ensure patients received “the best follow-up care as quickly and safely as possible”.

“We have reached out to all 1961 patients affected by the recall via SMS text message, letter, and our specialised hotline,” the spokesman told the Herald Sun.

“From that, 1186 patients have already received their follow-up clinical review conducted by a team of specialists with oversight from Safer Care Victoria and Peter Mac.”

Dr Liu-Ming Schmidt, from Albury Surgical Group, has since been banned from practising medicine.

Patients who required further follow-up care started receiving face-to-face consultations last week.

Further treatment is prioritised in order of the level of risk identified, the spokesman said.

After assessing the patients individually, the department ascertains which patients receive a follow-up colonoscopy.

Patients who require a follow-up procedure have started receiving repeat colonoscopies and have been evenly distributed across partnering health services.

“Not every patient will need a follow-up colonoscopy. Still, it is important we assess cases individually to ensure those affected are getting the care and support they need,” a Safer Care Victoria spokeswoman said.