Unregistered ‘doctor’ treating patients at Port Augusta Hospital under investigation

Investigations are underway after a doctor without registration worked at a rural hospital’s emergency department and treated patients.

A “doctor” without registration is under investigation after treating at least 15 patients in the Port Augusta Hospital emergency department over the course of six days.

Authorities so far have contacted 11 of the patients and reviewed all known cases and say the man treated “low acuity” cases such as sprains and scrapes.

They say no adverse incidents have come to light and urge anyone who was treated at the ED between April 24 and May 2 and is concerned to contact them on 86687500.

The overseas-trained doctor had previously been registered to work in Australia and overseas, but was not registered when working between April 24 and May 2. He had previously also faced disciplinary action.

When treating patients in the ED he was not employed by the hospital and was using an access card which was not his however officials say they are not yet sure how he obtained it.

A locum doctor supervising at the ED also has been stood down pending further investigation.

The matter has been referred to SA Police, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA) and other investigative bodies.

Port Augusta Hospital's emergency department

An investigation has commenced under AHPRA’s criminal offences unit. Criminal charges can result from a person pretending to be a registered doctor.

SA Health chief executive Robyn Lawrence said the incident was “completely unacceptable.”

“He was not employed by the hospital at the time,” she said. “I can’t explain how he found the access card.

“We are very sorry this has occurred and will do everything possible to prevent it happening again.

“That is why I have commissioned a full independent investigation into how and why this occurred to make sure it never happens again.”

She confirmed such cases had occured in the past but not for “several years.”

Dr Lawrence said the patients contacted so far had been “very understanding about the situation.”

“There was one patient we were slightly more concerned about,” she said. “And they were contacted immediately and have been reviewed.”

The man had been offered a place an an intern pending his registration but was not employed and had been undertaking education sessions at Whyalla.

The situation only came to light when a staff member who oversees the mandatory orientation process for new employees saw him, realised what was going on and reported it.

In a ministerial statement to parliament Health Minister Chris Picton detailed the situation and said: “The incident is completely unacceptable and should never have happened.

“To the patients of Port Augusta I assure you that this government is taking this matter incredibly seriously, and acting quickly to do everything we can to prevent such an occurrence happening again.”

Opposition health spokeswoman Ashton Hurn said: “This is an explosive situation that will send shivers down the spine of all South Australians. When you present to an emergency department you never seek to question the integrity or background of the doctor, you just assume you are getting the care you need.”