More than $21K raised for locum doctor stabbed at Burnie’s North West Regional Hospital

More than $21,000 has been raised for a locum doctor stabbed at the North West Regional Hospital last month, with concerns his medical bills would not be met under WorkCover.

North West Regional Hospital at Burnie

More than $21,000 has been raised for a long-term locum doctor who was stabbed at the North West Regional Hospital last month, with concerns his medical bills would not be met under WorkCover.

The senior doctor was flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital on Easter Day in a critical condition after the “traumatic” attack.

A fundraiser started just a few days ago on the GoFundMe website had already attracted $21,012 in 251 donations as of Sunday afternoon.

Organiser and emergency physician Natalie Thurtle wrote online that her “extremely valued” colleague had no access to WorkCover workers’ compensation.

However, the Tasmanian Health Service said in a statement it was providing support to the doctor and his family “given the circumstances”.

“Our colleague sustained life-threatening injuries and has yet to make a full recovery. It is unclear if and when they may be able to return to work, which along with other complexities, risks putting them in a difficult financial position,” Dr Thurtle said.

Dale Webster.

“Locums as independent contractors are not covered by hospital WorkCover. Our colleague has no access to WorkCover.”

Dr Thurtle said her colleague’s “entire life” had been “deeply affected by this awful incident”, and that all funds raised would go to them and their family – with the costs of their recovery expected to be high and ongoing.

She said she and co-organiser, fellow emergency specialist Clare Skinner, were overwhelmed and “blown away” by the response.

Dale Webster, the state government’s deputy secretary of hospitals and primary care, said the doctor was continuing his recovery in Hobart.

“Generally, locum doctors are not employed by the Tasmanian Health Service (THS); their relationship is via the company that arranges their placement,” he said.

“However, given the circumstances of the doctor’s injury, the THS is providing support to both the doctor and his family.”

Mr Webster said he could not comment further to protect the doctor’s privacy.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested over the incident last month and charged with wounding and two counts of threatening police.

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