‘Nose blow’ doc not returning to work: D’Ath

A suspended Mackay urologist will not be returning to work despite claims to the contrary, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has confirmed.

A suspended Mackay urologist will not be returning to work despite claims to the contrary, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has confirmed.

Dr Daryl Stephens

Mackay Base Hospital Dr Daryl Stephens, as revealed by The Courier-Mail, was suspended from the public hospital on September 13 for allegedly blowing his nose on the sterile drape covering a patient during surgery.

Days later he was suspended from Mackay Mater Private Hospital after an alleged surgical mishap left a man critically ill.

But a publication in the region, titled Mackay and Whitsunday Life, claimed in an online article on October 7 that “Dr Stephens has almost finished his four-week suspension and will be reinstated to full duties next week”.

Ms D’Ath, speaking in Parliament House on Monday, said this was “not correct”.

“I have confirmed with my department, I have confirmed with the interim chief executive (of Mackay Health and Hospital Service) and there is no decision whatsoever to have him return to the workplace at current time,” she said.

“That suspension is still in place.”