Investigations into Port Augusta incident
04 May 2023
A locum doctor supervising at the regional emergency department has also been stood down over the incident pending investigation.
The overseas-trained doctor worked in the hospital without registration for six days between Monday 24 April and Tuesday 2 May before being removed from the premises.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority and Medical Board has subsequently on 2 May offered the doctor provisional registration with conditions.
He had been offered a place as an intern and had been undertaking limited education sessions in Whyalla pending the arrival of his registration.
The matter has been referred to SA Police, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA) and other investigative bodies for further action.
An investigation has commenced under AHPRA’s Criminal Offences Unit.
SA Health chief executive Dr Robyn Lawrence has also further commissioned a full independent investigation to be led by an independent expert. The findings of this investigation will be made public.
The local health network is also investigating and believes the unregistered doctor treated at least 15 patients. The hospital is making contact with them to inform them of the situation, discuss their care needs and decide whether a follow up appointment is required.
At this stage, we are not aware of any adverse clinical outcomes for patients.
The man had previously been registered and worked as a doctor in Australia and overseas, however he has previously faced disciplinary action.
Anyone who attended Port Augusta Hospital’s emergency department between those dates, and is concerned about the care they received, should contact Port Augusta Hospital and Regional Health Service on 08 8668 7500.
Quotes attributable to Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network Chief Executive, Craig Packard
On behalf of our service, I apologise to all those patients who had contact with this unregistered doctor. This incident should not have occurred and I am deeply sorry.
We have informed SA Police and AHPRA, and will also conduct a full and thorough review into how this incident occurred.
Quotes attributable to Department for Health and Wellbeing Chief Executive, Robyn Lawrence
It is completely unacceptable that an unregistered doctor could be in an environment where they have access to patients, without providing their credentials or registration.
