NSW Health has launched an independent review into the oversight of the quality of care and safety of patients treated by Dr Emil Gayed following an internal investigation.
Earlier this month, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal found Dr Gayed guilty of professional misconduct in reference to his treatment of patients at Manning Base Hospital where his employment was suspended in February 2016.
The tribunal has banned Dr Gayed from practising medicine.
NSW Health Deputy Secretary, Dr Nigel Lyons said since the tribunal ruling, the Ministry of Health conducted an internal investigation as to which NSW public hospitals Dr Gayed had previously worked at.
The four NSW public hospitals that Dr Gayed worked at were:
The Secretary of NSW Health under Section 122 of the Health Services Act has appointed Gail Furness SC to conduct the inquiry. Ms Furness will be assisted in the inquiry by Dr Greg Jenkins, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist.
The inquiry will also look at the management of any complaints, adverse events or performance issues relating to Dr Gayed and subsequent action taken by each Local Health District. Ms Furness has been asked to report back to NSW Health by 30 September, 2018.
“Ensuring our patients receive quality and safe care is our priority and I am very sorry that this has not been the case for some women treated in the past by Dr Gayed,” Dr Lyons said.
“Our focus is on ensuring any woman with concerns about the care she may have received under Dr Gayed is provided with advice and any appropriate follow up assessment.”
Dr Lyons said each of the four hospitals will make direct contact with any patient who has previously raised issues or complaints in the past regarding the treatment they received from Dr Gayed.
He encouraged anyone else with concerns about treatment they may have received to call a dedicated telephone line set up at each of the hospitals. A senior clinician will be available to answer questions and make any appropriate referrals for follow up care.
People concerned about their clinician are urged to visit the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, whose online register of practitioners has accurate, up to date information about the registration status of all registered health practitioners in Australia.