Victims Deserve Justice And Victoria Demands Answers

I am sickened by the serious allegations about surgical misconduct at a Melbourne private hospital.

Like thousands of Victorian women, I have had laparoscopic surgery.

It was not easy to get there.

Diagnosis for my endometriosis was difficult. I was taught to dismiss my pain.

Eventually I underwent a complex surgery, and then my recovery journey began.

I’m sharing this story because so many women have joined me on that journey – and they don’t have the platform that I do.

Laparoscopies are unpleasant enough.

For women to go through unnecessary surgeries is highly distressing.

For some to have their lives ruined by an even greater pain is simply devastating.

Every woman deserves to feel confident about her treatment.

The allegations against this surgeon shatter that confidence.

Victims deserve justice and Victoria demands answers.

If you have an experience to share about this surgeon, you can report it to AHPRA.

AHPRA is the regulator responsible for ensuring medical practitioners are trained, qualified and safe to practice.

It’s our expectation that when allegations are made about a practitioner, they are taken seriously and investigated in a timely manner by AHPRA.

If that has not occurred in this case, they need to explain why and ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Epworth has also announced an independent review into how this happened at their hospital.

Safer Care Victoria will sit on that review panel to ensure it is rigorous, transparent, and focused on patient safety.

I have also referred these allegations to Victoria Police.

Without commenting on the specific case, let me be clear:

Performing unnecessary surgery is a crime, removing a woman’s organs without a clinical need is a crime, and assisting in that conduct is a crime.

Following these allegations, we will standardise the guidelines for how endometriosis is diagnosed.

An invasive laparoscopy is often the first diagnostic tool, despite growing evidence that it is not always necessary.

That’s why Safer Care Victoria will publish clinical guidelines, making clear that a less invasive ultrasound should be the first step for diagnosing endometriosis across Victoria.

We will also provide additional training to help doctors recognise endometriosis and treat it appropriately.

Because we must continue lifting awareness and understanding of women’s pain, not just within the community but among clinicians.

I’m even exploring a certification – a simple ‘pink tick’ – for clinicians who complete this training.

Under this proposal, women in pain could see which doctors are trained, ready to listen, and committed to providing the right care.

It’s extraordinary that I should even need to propose such a thing, because women’s care is core business.

But I am determined to restore confidence in a system that all women rely on.

I’m praying the allegations against this practitioner are isolated.

Our doctors and nurses are incredibly dedicated and good at what they do.

Our public health system puts patients before profit and provides world-class care.

Recently, Australia has taken big steps to improve care for women’s pain, and Victoria has led the way.

• Our nation-first Women’s Pain Inquiry gave a voice to 13,000 women
• Our 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs are open, and 20 new women’s health clinics are on the way
• One will be at the Royal Children’s Hospital – dedicated to girls, their pain, and their reproductive health

However, these sickening allegations show the system still has a long way to go.

There are too many men who think they can dismiss a woman’s pain – or worse, manipulate it.

I’ve spoken to many women across the state about their experiences.

While our Women’s Pain consultation has concluded, I still want to hear your story, if you want to share it.

Please feel free to email me or get in touch with my office.

Your pain is real, you deserve to be heard and believed – and I will listen.