Some patients may die as a result of the Townsville Hospital's urology unit bungle, the hospital's CEO has said.

Queensland Health is conducting an independent investigation into how and why the largest hospital in the state's north failed to provide follow-up appointments and diagnostic test results to hundreds of patients.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) CEO Keiran Keyes said a total of 218 patients experienced gaps in their care, and 77 of those had been or may have been exposed to harm.

"For some of these 77 patients, they will be experiencing a [metastasis] of their cancer which may actually result in their death," Mr Keyes said.

" It is a very confronting fact for the health professionals in our system to recognise. "

Mr Keyes said some adversely affected patient

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