A physician employed by Western Health is being investigated for inappropriate behaviour, The Western Star has learned.
According to multiple sources, complaints regarding the doctor have been lodged by several staff at Western Memorial Regional Hospital.
The sources have also indicted the physician is no longer working in the hospital.
The specific nature of the allegations has not been confirmed.
No one at Western Health would do an interview about the allegations.
Tara Pye, the health authority’s communications director said in an email that Western Health would not be commenting in relation to any human resources matter involving its staff or physicians. She said Western Health has bylaws or medical staff which outlines the process for an investigation of a complaint or allegation against a physician.
Sources have indicated at least some of the complainants are nurses.
The Registered Nurses’ Union of Newfoundland and Labrador also declined an interview request. Karyn Whelan, the union’s communications specialist, replied via email that, given the nature of this situation and privacy issues, the union would not be commenting.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador urge patients or co-workers who have issues with a physician to try to resolve their matters with the doctor in person first. If that is not possible, the matter can be referred to the college’s complaints co-ordinator.
The college said any matter filed that requires the physician being counselled or cautioned would become a matter of public record and documented on its website. That has not happened in this particular case yet.
If the matter is deemed serious enough, it could be referred the college’s alternative dispute resolution process or to a public hearing.
Any matters scheduled to be heard before an adjudication tribunal, along with any subsequent decisions or settlements, are posted publicly on the college’s website, usually months in advance.
