Deputy Premier and Minister for Health
The Honourable Paul Lucas

Friday, November 06, 2009

Emerald Hospital doctor suspended

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas today said Queensland Health had suspended a doctor practising out of Emerald Hospital.

Dr John Chibanda was suspended on Wednesday after issues surrounding his registration in addition to some concerns regarding the standard of his clinical care.

He was employed at Emerald Hospital after being registered by the Medical Board of Queensland in November 2007.

Prior to this, Dr Chibanda had been registered in and had worked in the Northern Territory.

Queensland Health Centre for Healthcare Improvement CEO Dr Tony O’Connell said concerns surfaced as a result of improved practices to specifically identify issues of credentialing and registration.

“Queensland Health identified complaints logged in its reporting system PRIME, and the new Executive Director of Medical Services in the Central Queensland Health District undertook further investigations.

“These investigations identified that for a period in 2008 Dr Chibanda had been working outside the conditions of his registration.

“Initial action to limit his practice was undertaken in mid 2008 but because of additional concerns, further action was required and he was suspended this week.

Moreover, when the Executive Director of Medical Services performed a google search, he discovered Dr Chibanda had failed to disclose an earlier fraud charge in Zimbabwe.

Dr O’Connell said it was important to note initial investigations have not provided any suggestion of any deaths relating to Dr Chibanda’s practice.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas said despite this the matter needs thorough investigation.

“That’s why I have referred the matter to the Health Quality and Complaints Commission and Crime and Misconduct Commission.

“I am concerned about the level of disclosure made to the Board by the doctor himself and also Queensland Health permitting him to practice outside of the conditions placed on him by the Medical Board."

Dr O’Connell said anyone who has concerns about the treatment they may have received from Dr Chibanda should call 13HEALTH for advice and assistance.

The medical records of all patients treated by Dr Chibanda will also be reviewed and Queensland Health will contact individual patients if concerns are raised.

Central Queensland Health Service District has measures in place to ensure the provision of medical services in Emerald are not affected by the suspension of the doctor.

ENDS.
 
Contact: Deputy Premier's Office 3234 1187/ Queensland Health 3234 1439

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