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24 November 2008 NSW Health conducts review of patients from a private Sydney skin cancer clinic
Acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant today announced that she has written to 6,770 patients who were treated for skin cancers and other skin lesions at a private clinic to ensure they have received appropriate medical follow-up. The recommendation to these patients that they receive further follow-up is based on advice from the Commonwealth Government's Professional Services Review of inappropriate clinical practice by a former doctor, David Lindsay. Mr Lindsay was the sole doctor at the privately owned Skin Cancer Clinic Sydney, located in Sydney's CBD, between 1998 and December 2007. He was suspended from practice in December 2007 and was deregistered by the NSW Medical Tribunal in August 2008. A specialist review of pathology records on patients treated by the former Dr Lindsay suggests some may require further follow-up by their GP or specialist. "Many of these patients will have had on-going care but NSW Health wants to take every possible precaution to ensure former patients of Mr Lindsay are aware of the situation," Dr Chant said. David Lindsay was the focus of an investigation by a Committee of the Commonwealth Government's Professional Services Review. The Committee was established to investigate concerns raised by Medicare Australia about irregular billing practices associated with his skin cancer clinic. In the course of that investigation, the Committee identified problems with the former Doctor's clinical practice, including conduct which could have put some of his patients at risk of recurrence of skin cancer, and inadequate record-keeping which could compromise the continuing care of some of his patients. The Committee is finalising its report in relation to the former Dr Lindsay's billing practises. On the 4th September 2008, NSW Health received correspondence from the Committee outlining their concerns for the wellbeing of a significant number of Mr Lindsay's patients. "The Professional Services Review Committee and NSW Health are concerned former patients of David Lindsay with skin cancers may not have received adequate follow up," Dr Chant said. Upon the notification of the concerns of the Professional Services Review Committee, Dr Chant said NSW Health took the following actions:
"A review of pathology results on removed lesions taken by the former Dr Lindsay indicated that in some cases, he failed to remove enough material to be sure that the skin cancer was completely removed," Dr Chant said. "The specialist review determined 1,310 patients were considered to be in a risk category that would require timely medical follow-up. "However, it is likely given our look back spans 10 years that most of these patients will have subsequently received appropriate medical follow-up or will not need further treatment." The correspondence sent to these patients includes:
Correspondence has also been sent to a further 5,460 lower risk category patients to ensure they are advised of the investigation. Those letters also recommend these patients see their GP if they have not received appropriate medical follow-up since last being seen in the former Dr Lindsay's clinic. Further information, including fact sheets and Question and Answer sheets can be found at www.health.nsw.gov.au Additional contacts/information: NSW Health Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC)/ NSW Medical Board Although he has been deregistered his conduct can still be investigated by the Commission. Complaints received can also provide important evidence for the Board's case in any re-registration application by a de-registered doctor. HCCC NSW Medical Board Professional Services Review Cancer Council Media: Kim Ibrahim - 02 9334 1960 or 0411 408 647 For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au |
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