SA Libs want probe into hospital records

The South Australian opposition has called for an independent inquiry into allegations patient records have been tampered with at an Adelaide hospital.

A doctor has told ABC radio that a report he placed on a patient's record at the Lyell McEwin Hospital was erased.

Health Minister Jack Snelling has ordered an investigation but the opposition says the allegations are serious and should be subject to an independent inquiry.

"The inquiry should assess the appropriateness of having a system in which medical records can be altered," opposition treasury spokesman Rob Lucas said.

Lyell McEwin radiologist Paul Newbold described the removal of his report as "very dangerous and very sinister".

"It's as though it never happened," he said.

He also raised concerns at the number of X-rays, scans and ultrasounds that were being left unread following the introduction of a new software system.

Mr Lucas said an independent inquiry could also investigate why the new system had left doctors unable to cope with the workload.