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Health

Health minister urges women to come forward as WA Country Health launches review into gynaecologist

Western Australia's health minister has urged women to report any concerns about care provided by former Albany hospital gynaecologist obstetrician George Campbell du Toit. 

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is reviewing Dr du Toit's four-year stint at the hospital following allegations made from his time recently at a Queensland hospital.

Dr du Toit's contract at Albany hospital was not renewed when it ended in 2020.

He then took up a position at Mackay Base Hospital, but resigned earlier this year amid a review.

Several women raised concerns about his surgical work.

Mr du Toit was contacted for comment but did not respond.

In her first public comment on the matter, WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the WACHS review, headed by the chief medical officer, will examine every case brought forward.

"I would like to reassure WA women that we are taking this seriously," she said.

"While the doctor had no restrictions on their registration during their time in Albany, following the concerns out of Mackay, we want to hear from anyone who would like their care reviewed."

In June this year, the Office of the Queensland Health Ombudsman imposed conditions on his medical registration, including banning him from practising surgery.

A complaints portal has been set up on the health website for patients to raise concerns.

Ms Sanderson urged "urge anyone with concerns about their treatment to get in touch with WACHS as soon as possible".

Women share stories

Denmark's Martha Barnard-Rae, a mother of two boys, has complained to the hospital a second time after her ureter was damaged during a hysterectomy and vaginal repair by Dr du Toit in November 2017.

The ABC has been contacted by several West Australian women with concerns about Dr du Toit's treatment after ongoing coverage on his practise in Mackay, in north Queensland.

Shadow Minister for Health Libby Mettam said she welcomed the review into the doctor's time at Albany Health Campus.

"It is vitally important that, that review is independent," she said.

"We encourage women who may have had an adverse outcome to come forward and report to the WA Country Health Service."

Ms Mettam said it was concerning to hear these reports.

"This process needs the best chance to succeed, and patients need to be aware of the opportunity to come forward," she said.

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