John Singleton leads fight for beloved GP
High-profile patients including billionaire John Singleton have rushed to defend a beloved Sydney GP forced to close his practice after 50 years for a “petty” reason.
A much loved and respected Sydney GP has been slapped with restrictions that have effectively forced him to shut his practice doors after 50 years - to the outrage of some very influential patients.
Specialists from St Vincent’s Hospitals, colleagues, patients including billionaire advertising guru John Singleton, and even a nun have rushed to the aid of Dr Kwong Tam, urging the Medical Council of Australia to rethink its decision.
Dr Kwong, in Sydney’s bustling inner-city suburb of Darlinghurst, says a misunderstanding over the storage of vaccines and his record keeping is what got him into strife - with medical authorities demanding he now only work in a group practice with no less than three other general practitioners and be supervised at all times.
That means he can no longer work alone in his Victoria Street surgery, home to his old-school patients records, and a style of care that his long-standing loyal visitors say is full of “understanding, empathy, kindness, care and compassion”.
His patients and patient records must also be shared between the practitioners in the accredited practice and there must always be one other practitioner on site.
Dr Kwong says the restrictions are unfair.
Singleton wrote a letter in support of Dr Kwong who he says is an “old school doctor” who actually cares about his patients - treating the elderly and vulnerable and often not taking a dime from their pockets.
“Now I don’t want you to think Dr Tam’s surgery is a template for all doctors. The filing is basic and a throwback to the manila folder world, which has served Dr Tam and his patients successfully without any mistakes or complaints in 51 years,” Singleton said in a letter to the medical board, sited by news.com.au
“Maybe I’m biased because I used the same system. I suppose there are drawbacks. Rather than learn a new system which has nothing to do with diagnostics, he operates his surgery diligently and is criticized for this. How petty.
“In my declining years, I have the need for far too many surgeons … cardiologist, gastroenterologist, prostate surgeon, cochlear specialist, Dr Tam has referred me to each of them.”
Singleton told news.com.au the treatment of Dr Tam has been “horrific”.
Other letters of support have come from staff at St Vincent’s Hospital and dozens of patients incluidng Nelune Rajapakse.
She told news.com.au: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be under Dr Tam’s care for the past 24 years. He has seen me through every stage of life with kindness, wisdom, and an unwavering dedication that is truly rare”.
Ms Rajapakse said Dr Tam was “more than just a brilliant doctor”.
“He’s a quiet hero in the community. For over 50 years, he has offered high quality, bulk billed care to everyone, regardless of their means, treating the rich, the poor, and the vulnerable with the same deep compassion and respect,” she said.
“He has never rushed, never judged and has always listened with genuine care.
“Dr Tam is a local institution and a deeply valued presence in so many of our lives. I am so grateful for everything he’s done for me and countless others. Dr Tam is truly one of a kind.”
Dr Tam came under notice in March this year when health officials said he was “unable to independently complete a requested audit of the vaccine cold chain”.
Dr Tam was found to have a large modern vaccine-specific fridge “but had never monitored or recorded fridge temperatures”.
“There were large stocks of vaccine in the fridge with up to half the stock passed its expiry date, which the practice support officer asked him to discard,” the report stated.
“The officer immediately provided cold chain education, providing him with temperature monitoring charts and helping him to assess and complete NSW Health’s online vaccine cold chain education course.
“She also helped him order a temperature data logger.”
The report said the education given on March 13 Dr Tam “continued to have poor understanding of vaccine cold chain” when he was visited again 12 days later.
Dr Tamm “firmly defends” himself against the complaints submitted “which appear to stem from a misunderstanding rather than any misconduct or neglect of duty”.
“I’m a general practitioner with 50 years of experience serving the community, including the disadvantaged, elderly and vulnerable, as well as many respected members of the public,” he said.
“I’ve built long standing trusted relationships with my patients, and I’m well regarded by the local community of Darlinghurst, the staff of St Vincent’s Hospital and nearest medical specialists.
“Earlier this year, I received a notification from NSW Health about the upcoming flu season, and was reminded to place an order for flu vaccines.
“In February, I submitted an online vaccine order and as part of a routine audit, NSW Health conducted a random check on vaccine cold chain storage protocols.
“I contacted the central and eastern Sydney Primary Health Network for assistance and they coordinated a visit to my practice.
“Following this session, I completed the vaccine storage and Cold Chain Management module, and was issued a certification of completion despite the absence of any major concerns.
“Staff members then removed all vaccines from my fridge without providing a clear explanation. I accepted this decision in good faith and took immediate steps to improve monitoring.”
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