Former Iluka doctor David Alan Richards found guilty by The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal

A North Coast community has rallied to back its former doctor, who has now been forbidden from undertaking solo medical practice – leaving the area with no GP.

Iluka has rallied behind the doctor.

The sole doctor in a North Coast village was suspended from working at the height of the Covid pandemic despite widespread community support, leaving no GP on hand.

Now, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal has found Dr David Alan Richards, who ran Iluka Wellness Centre since 2002, guilty of professional misconduct and unsatisfactory professional conduct.

There is currently no GP practising in Iluka.

On Tuesday, the tribunal handed down its ruling on the matter, which centred on Dr Richards holding up to date professional indemnity insurance.

The ruling imposes conditions on his medical registration, including not undertaking solo medical practice.

Dr David Richards, who ran Iluka Wellness Centre. Picture: Graham Orams.

In 2021, the Medical Council of NSW temporarily suspended Dr Richards’ registration.

The council told media in a statement: “The Medical Council has taken this action in order to protect the health and safety of the public and to maintain confidence in the medical profession.”

“By law, the council cannot release any further details about this decision, including the reasons or any details about the complaints that have prompted this regulatory action.”

It was reported in local media that Dr Richards’ answering machine at the time declared he had been suspended in relation to “Covid issues”.

At the time, Iluka residents rallied around the doctor, including on social media.

“It’s a sad day for Iluka,” one local wrote on Facebook.

“We miss you Doc. It was so good to have a doctor that was brave and honest and truly believed in the Hippocratic oath.”

Dr David Richards being photographed by the Daily Examiner for a story published previously. Picture: Graham Orams

Another wrote: “I’ve been going to Dr Dave for at least 17 years and never had a problem. He has always helped out and now … we have no doctors in town.”

The central factor in Tuesday’s ruling centred on Dr Richards holding up to date professional indemnity insurance – which he had neglected to do since 2004.

The judgment ruled the doctor had not held the necessary insurance since 2004, despite being aware of the need to do so.

At one point during the tribunal, when Dr Richards was shown he must have known about his lack of insurance, he responded: “I was horrified, I must have been (insured).”

“Look, it’s my fault. No one else is to blame … I don’t pay the bills but I’m still ultimately responsible so it’s my fault,” he said.

Iluka does not have a GP at the moment. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Martin Ollman

The doctor also gave evidence about his work/life balance and the long hours spent caring for an isolated community.

“He was working in the Iluka practice six days a week,” the tribunal states.

“He worked until dark, including taking blood samples to pathology to save his patients having to travel many kilometres to the next available practice.

“He worked on Saturday mornings … (and) he was additionally working at Maclean Hospital on weekends. He also did work at Grafton Hospital.”

Iluka residents now have to travel to Maclean, Yamba, or rely on Telehealth services to see a GP.

Iluka Wellness Centre is listed as “permanently closed” online.

Dr Richards could not be reached for comment.