Launceston General Hospital director Peter Renshaw to retire

A key Launceston General Hospital director who was chastised for showing an “astonishing lack of insight” when questioned over the alleged rape of a child patient – will soon leave his role.

A KEY Launceston General Hospital director who was recently chastised at the child sexual abuse commission of inquiry – for showing an “astonishing lack of insight” when questioned over the alleged rape of a child patient – will soon be leaving his role.

Peter Renshaw, who started in the role of LGH executive director of medical services in 1989 after just two years as a junior doctor, is currently on extended leave and will retire from his long-held position.

Kathleen Atkinson, the north west director in the same role, will act in Dr Renshaw’s role at the LGH for six months until his role is filled.

Peter Renshaw, Launceston General Hospital's executive director of medical services.

Dr Renshaw’s job was advertised over the weekend, and offers a salary between $163,005 and $247,768 and a huge range of perks including a fully-maintained private plated motor vehicle or car allowance of $25,758 per annum and an annual professional development allowance of $24,927.

Last month, Dr Renshaw publicly proclaimed before the commission of inquiry, and the family of the late Zoe Duncan, that he didn’t believe her claims she’d been raped as an 11-year-old patient by one of the hospital’s doctors in 2001.

He was admonished by counsel assisting the commission, Elizabeth Bennett SC, for causing further pain to Ms Duncan’s family.

Dr Renshaw recanted his words and apologised the following day after hearing Ms Duncan’s allegations had been re-evaluated by the Child Safety Service, which found on the balance of probabilities a rape had indeed occurred.

Dr Renshaw also admitted before the commission of inquiry that he provided false information to the Department of Health secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks in November 2019 about prolific paedophile LGH nurse James Geoffrey Griffin – but denied he had lied.

Peter Renshaw in 2002.

The director’s departure is just one change of many planned for the LGH, as announced by Premier Jeremy Rockliff following the commission of inquiry public hearings.

A Child Safe Unit will also be established at the LGH along with a number of new executive roles and a child safeguarding officer.

If you or a loved one is struggling, further support is available:

Sexual Assault Support Service – 1800 697 877

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 46 36

Rural Alive and Well – 1300 4357 6283

Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800

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