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Police Charge Physician with Sexual Assault at North York General Hospital Video
Message to the Community from Bonnie Adamson, President & CEO,
March 11, 2010 Toronto, ON, March 11, 2010 -- Today, North York General Hospital announced that the Toronto Police have charged Dr. George Doodnaught, an anesthetist, with three counts of sexual assault of patients during surgical procedures. "I speak for our entire staff when I say that we are shocked and devastated that anything like this may have happened to patients while in our hospital," says Bonnie Adamson, President and Chief Executive Officer at North York General Hospital. "I can't imagine how painful this must be for those patients who have come forward. People put their trust in us as health-care providers and we take that accountability very seriously," added Adamson. The arrest of Dr. Doodnaught is the result of a police investigation stemming from patient complaints. The hospital has taken action to ensure the doctor is not working at the hospital and we will take whatever steps are necessary to protect the safety of our patients. In addition, the hospital has reported him to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. "I am confident that these charges are attributed to one physician and that patients should continue to feel safe when coming to North York General Hospital," says Dr. David White, Acting Vice President of Medical and Academic Affairs and Chief of Staff. "We are committed to providing high quality and safe care to patients and we are continuing to do that." The hospital is continuing to cooperate with the police during their ongoing investigation of these serious allegations. "I encourage patients, families, staff and physicians to come forward if they have any information to report to the police," says Bonnie Adamson. North York General Hospital has set up a call centre to respond to any patients concerned about their care. That number is (416) 756-6271. The police are asking anyone who would like to report a sexual assault
to call (416) 808-4040 or (416) 222-TIPS. For more information please contact: Remarks from
Bonnie Adamson and Dr. David White at a media briefing on March 11,
2010
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