Australian Craniofacial Unit faces independent review after months of turmoil

An independent investigator will review SA’s renowned Australian Craniofacial Unit after months of turmoil with broad terms of references looking at funding, governance, procurement — and who actually runs it.

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An independent investigator will review South Australia’s renowned Australian Craniofacial Unit after months of turmoil with broad terms of references looking at funding, governance, procurement — and who actually runs it.

Health Minister Stephen Wade, pictured, announced former president of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators Dr Lee Gruner would oversee the review following months of turmoilincluding:

THE SA Salaried Medical Officers Association claiming concerns of “cartel-like behaviour and nepotism” at the unit and possible maladministration causing “grave impacts on patient care … which has already resulted in unnecessary deaths”.

ALLEGATIONS of bullying and harassment at the unit.

A SURGEON seeking union help after his pay was docked for a humanitarian trip to Indonesia that he says was part of his contract.

South Australian Health Minister Stephen Wade. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

Professor David David. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Unit founder Professor David David stepped down in 2017 and has told The Advertiser the unit had stopped taking overseas children.

He also said he was stunned to hear claims that oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr Ben Graves had been pushed out with no explanation.

However, Mr Wade subsequently responded, saying there had been “no changes” to the model of care.

Sources within the unit are aghast at the infighting and assorted allegations that they fear is detracting from their work, and strongly back the new unit head, Dr Mark Moore.

The unit’s doctors continue to do overseas humanitarian missions as well as the more high-profile cases of disfigured children coming to Australia — which tend to get the most media coverage — aimed at fixing function as well as looks.

Mr Wade said the independent review was important to the unit’s future role.

“The ACFU provides life-changing surgery and treatment to children and adults with craniofacial conditions,” he said.

“The Government is committed to the ACFU building on its world-leading reputation.

“To that end, it is important that the concerns are investigated. That’s why we’ve appointed a well-respected, independent reviewer.”

Review terms include checking if the unit’s directions are in the best interest of patients, if its culture is consistent with the values of SA Health and if it is appropriately using Government funding. It will also probe if relationships with foreign governments are mutually beneficial, if its procurement is managed within relevant public sector policies, and who by and when it was decided it would be overseen by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network.