Craniofacial Unit facing upheaval after legendary chief leaves
SOUTH Australia’s world-famous craniofacial unit has been torn apart in the wake of the departure of its legendary head, Professor David David.
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CHANGES at South Australia’s world-famous craniofacial unit in the wake of the departure of its legendary head, Professor David David, have left staff “stunned”.
For more than four decades, the Australian Craniofacial Unit at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital has been helping children with facial distortions, tumours, and injuries. Recent changes have prompted a concerned Prof David to speak out.
Prof David was named 2018 South Australian of the Year for his work with disfigured children, particularly his work with children from Asia who might otherwise face a dire existence.
But State Parliament heard yesterday there were changes afoot. Opposition health spokesman Chris Picton asked Premier Steven Marshall whether it was true the unit would no longer support “any overseas humanitarian cases that have been a part of the world-renowned unit for the past 44 years”.
The Premier took the question on notice, but Prof David confirmed to The Advertiser that the unit had stopped taking overseas children in.
He said the unit had been “stunned” to learn of that change and to hear that one of the best doctors there had been “booted” with no explanation.
Prof David said before he stepped down as the unit head about a year ago, he issued a detailed succession plan to ensure its focus was maintained.
But he said newly appointed staff, without consultation higher up the ladder, started making changes. He said a “Star Chamber” was used to “get rid of” one of the most highly skilled craniofacial specialists in the state.
“(That was) the straw that broke the camel’s back,” he said, adding that he was only speaking out because he was worried about patients’ ongoing care.
“There are thousands of patients. These are people with birth defects or who’ve had injuries or cancers that go on for years or a lifetime,” he said. Mr Picton said the unit had “changed the lives of so many people”.
“We think that those concerns should be taken with the utmost seriousness and acted upon so we protect what has been such a world-renowned part of the health system,” he said.
Health Minister Stephen Wade faced questions yesterday, which he said he would take on notice. Further questions went to the Premier.
Mr Marshall said he was aware of Prof David’s concerns and was in discussions with him. He said he would seek answers from the health department and that he had been “assured a merit-based process was entered into” when it came to staffing decisions.
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