St Vincent’s chemo scandal: Dr John Grygiel breaks his silence
THE doctor at the centre of the St Vincent’s Hospital chemo cover-up has returned to Australia and finally broken his silence on the scandal.
NSW
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THE doctor at the centre of the St Vincent’s Hospital chemo cover-up has returned to Australia and broken his silence on the scandal, saying he has always been concerned about the wellbeing of his patients.
Dr John Grygiel was overseas as an interim report by Cancer Institute boss Professor David Currow revealed last week the senior oncologist treated 78 patients at St Vincent’s with “off protocol” low doses of chemo drug carboplatin between 2012 and 2015.
Thirty patients died, though Prof Currow’s report said it was unable “at this point” to quantify the impact of prescribing by German-born Dr Grygiel, 70.
Prof Currow’s report reserved its strongest criticism for St Vincent’s, saying the hospital made false and misleading statements about its role in the scandal — including unfounded claims no patients appeared to suffer negative impacts and that Dr Grygiel was counselled and placed under supervision.
Prof Currow’s inquiry has been expanded to examine Dr Grygiel’s treatment methods as far back as 2006 and at hospitals in Orange and Bathurst, amid evidence more patients may have been affected.
In a statement to The Daily Telegraph, Dr Grygiel said he will co-operate fully with Prof Currow’s investigations.
“Throughout my professional life, I have always been concerned about the wellbeing of my patients and I remain concerned for them and their families,” he said.
“I intend to co-operate fully with the inquiry and look forward to the opportunity to state my case and present clinical evidence to support my decisions.”
Dr Grygiel’s statement was issued via a Sydney PR firm specialising in crisis management.
It emerged yesterday Professor Currow is away until April 21.
The Cancer Institute did not respond to questions if he was on annual leave. He is due to table a full report on the issue in July.
The Opposition and Greens have called for a public special commission of inquiry to take over the investigation, ensuring whistleblowers are afforded protection and witnesses are compelled to give evidence.
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