Australian Craniofacial Unit faces claims of ‘nepotism, deaths’, referred to Office for Public Integrity
CRITICISM of the Australian Craniofacial Unit has sensationally escalated into union allegations of nepotism, bullying and “unnecessary deaths”, prompting referrals for two investigations.
CRITICISM of the Australian Craniofacial Unit has sensationally escalated into union allegations of nepotism, bullying, harassment and “unnecessary deaths”, prompting referrals for two investigations.
In an email to Health Minister Stephen Wade, tabled in Parliament, hospital doctors’ union the SA Salaried Medical Officers Association has raised concerns of “cartel-like behaviour and nepotism” at the unit.
The tabled email contains claims that possible maladministration is causing “grave impacts on patient care, including on overseas patients who are not being treated by Australian specialists, which has already resulted in unnecessary deaths”.
Allegations of bullying and harassment are also in the email, which was a response to Mr Wade’s invitation to the union to raise any concerns about the unit.
Mr Wade told Parliament the claims raised serious concerns about the culture and operation of the unit.
“I have discussed the matter with the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment who has undertaken to meet with SASMOA and initiate whatever action is necessary,” he said.
“As is appropriate, I have also referred the matter to the Office for Public Integrity.”
The Government declined to elaborate on the claims of unnecessary deaths in light of the investigations.
Celebrated unit founder Professor David David stepped down from leading it a year ago before formally resigning early this month. SASMOA’s email does not put a time frame on the claims, and the union would not detail them further to The Advertiser.
“I’m aware these things have been around, but because SASMOA is now involved I’m very happy to leave it to them to explore these issues,” Prof David said. “It is the next layer of the whole situation. It was around at the end of my time.
“I tried to assist some junior staff members. I believe it has got worse since I left.
“These things could be solved quite simply if the minister took action.”
In an earlier statement unrelated to SASMOA’s claims, new head of the unit Dr Mark Moore rejected speculation it is changing direction.
“I am proud to continue Prof David’s legacy and build on it,” Dr Moore said.
“I would like to further reassure all our patients — past, present and future — there is no change in the high quality of care offered by the unit and our world-class clinicians.” Dr Moore’s remarks followed Prof David’s criticism over a senior surgeon he holds in high regard not being re-employed.
Mr Wade said his department had found the selection process was “sound”.
Labor wants an independent inquiry after a failed bid for a Privileges Committee probe into whether Energy Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan misled Parliament by saying Prof David was aware of a review of the unit’s employment process, a mistake he later corrected.
Labor claimed the Speaker ruled there was a prima facie case to answer, but he ruled that would be the case if there had been no correction.