26 November 2009

Doctor charged and suspended

On 25 November 2009, NSW police charged a 41 year old doctor with supplying an indictable quantity of prohibited drug.

The charge relates to the death of a woman.NSW Health has confirmed that the doctor in question was an employee of Sydney West Area Health Service (SWAHS).

The deceased person to which the charge relates was not being treated by SWAHS.

Upon being notified of the police investigation, the Medical Board acted immediately, commencing a Section 66 inquiry into the doctor’s registration. (Under Section 66 of the Medical Practice Act, the Medical Board can take urgent and immediate action to protect the public.)

SWAHS immediately suspended the doctor from all duties after it was advised of the Medical Board’s response.

The doctor had been the subject of prior reviews by the NSW Medical Board in 2004 and 2008. Those reviews resulted in suspensions and conditions being placed on the doctor’s registration.

SWAHS cooperated with the Medical Board’s enquiries and observed conditions imposed by the Board, at all times. As the matter is the subject of ongoing police investigations, it is not appropriate for NSW Health to make further comment.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au