Report into Australian Craniofacial Unit remains secret
An inquiry launched with much fanfare by the Health Minister into historical issues at the world-famous Australian Craniofacial Unit will remain secret.
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An independent investigation into historical allegations of bullying, harassment and maladministration at the Australian Craniofacial Unit will remain secret.
SA Health Minister Stephen Wade launched the investigation in January after claims by the SA Salaried Medical Officers Association of “cartel-like behaviour and nepotism” at the unit, housed at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
SASMOA’s concerns included that possible maladministration at the WCH and craniofacial unit had caused “grave impacts on patient care … which has already resulted in unnecessary deaths”.
Dr Lee Gruner, a former president of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators, was appointed to oversee the review.
The minister made a brief statement in response to questions from The Advertiser this week.
“The report is complete and confidential. It has been provided to those involved in the report as well as those responsible for considering and addressing matters it raises.”
Mr Wade did not address questions of how much the report had cost taxpayers or who had been provided with the report. It is understood the report was presented to cabinet in March.
The Advertiser is aware the report canvassed about 20 issues that the WCH and the craniofacial unit had been working through.
A source said the investigation was “thorough, professional, and revealing”.
The review terms included checking if the unit’s directions are in the best interests of patients, if its culture is consistent with the values of SA Health and if it is appropriately using Government funding.
It also probed whether relationships with foreign governments are mutually beneficial, if procurement was managed within relevant public sector policies, and when it was determined that the ACFU would be overseen by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network.
The craniofacial unit was co-founded by eminent surgeon Professor David David in 1975 with support from the Dunstan Government. He stepped down as the medical unit head in 2017 before formally resigning in June 2018.
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This week, The Advertiser revealed the craniofacial unit’s head Dr Mark Moore is challenging whether a charitable foundation led by Professor David is truly supportive of the life-changing facility.
Dr Moore said the registered charity Australian Cranio Maxillo Facial Foundation had failed to deliver any “meaningful” funds to his unit despite declaring it was the “charitable arm” of the unit and having $9 million in assets.
The ACMFF says it has been “frozen out” by the WCH and the craniofacial unit.