Logan Hospital doctor Mark Hanna, 36, Berrinba, accused of raping patient

A former doctor at a hospital south of Brisbane has been committed to stand trial for the alleged rape of a patient, but still continues to practice medicine.

Mark Hanna, 36, Berrinba, leaving Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

A former doctor at a hospital in Brisbane’s south has been accused of raping a patient and will stand trial, but he still continues to practice medicine.

Mark Hanna faced Beenleigh Magistrates Court on December 1 charged with raping a female patient during an examination on October 20, 2021.

It is understood he no longer works for Queensland Health.

The court heard that the 36-year-old Berrinba man was practising medicine at Logan Hospital and allegedly sexually assaulted the victim during a visit.

A witness known to the alleged victim told the court during a committal hearing that Dr Hanna inserted his finger into the victim’s anus and vagina.

The woman was seeking treatment for a haemorrhoid and told family and close friends after the examination she “felt ill about it”, the court heard.

The alleged victim then sought an expert opinion from another doctor on whether the behaviour was appropriate for that medical condition.

She also told close family and friends.

Based upon the other doctor’s advice, she made a statement to Logan Police and Mr Hanna was charged with one count of rape.

No plea has been entered.

On April 26 this year the Queensland Health Ombudsman imposed conditions on Dr Hanna’s future work.

“Mark Hanna must not have contact with female patients,” a statement on the Office of the Health Ombudsman’s website read.

“He must take all reasonable steps to ensure female patients are told at the time of wanting to book an appointment with the practitioner that they cannot.”

The father-of-two has been practising medicine since 2014 and has dual Australian/Canadian citizenship.

Magistrate Patrina Clohessy listened to defence barrister Kate Juhasz cross-examine three witnesses before committing the matter for trial.

“I believe there is sufficient evidence to place Dr Hanna on trial,” Ms Clohessy said.

The matter was committed to Beenleigh District Court on a date to be notified.

Dr Hanna’s bail was enlarged.