ID :
18838
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 21:02
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/18838
The shortlink copeid
Ex-doctor charged with 17 abuse offences
Bail has been refused for a NSW doctor charged over the alleged sexual assault and genital mutilation of patients.
Graeme Reeves, 58, was arrested at his home in Sydney's Baulkham Hills on Wednesday
after extensive investigations into more than 100 allegations of patient misconduct.
The alleged misconduct occurred between 2001 and 2003 at Baulkham Hills and at Bega,
on the state's south coast.
Reeves is now facing 17 charges, including nine counts of aggravated sexual assault,
six counts of indecent assault, one count of female genital mutilation and one count
of maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm.
The charges relate to evidence from 10 female former patients.
At Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday, Magistrate James Garbett ordered Reeves be
held in custody, refusing bail.
He said he agreed with the prosecution that Reeves could be a flight risk, and that
there was a strong chance a significant custodial sentence would be imposed if the
charges were proven.
"The allegations are very serious," Mr Garbett said.
Reeves was expressionless as bail was refused but then sat with his head in his hands.
He will next appear in Central Local Court in Sydney on November 5.
Meanwhile, a victims' rights group has called for the axing of the NSW Health Care
Complaints Commission because it says the investigation of cases is inadequate.
Medical Error Action Group spokeswoman Lorraine Long said the medical complaints
commission knew about allegations against Reeves for years before the alleged
victims went public this year.
"There should be a completely different way of addressing complaints. The Health
Care Complaints Commission should be shut down," she said.
"It does not serve any purpose, it does not function properly and it's known about
the Reeves' matter for at least the 12 years that I've known.
"They've just plodded along."
Ms Long said the police investigation revealed the inadequacies of the HCCC.
"What a relief. Relief and justification that the persistence of 12 years has paid
off," Ms Long said.
"Anyone who takes action against medical professionals, it's a seven or eight year
exercise.
"I think for the police to take that first step after six months, that's a great
result."
Graeme Reeves, 58, was arrested at his home in Sydney's Baulkham Hills on Wednesday
after extensive investigations into more than 100 allegations of patient misconduct.
The alleged misconduct occurred between 2001 and 2003 at Baulkham Hills and at Bega,
on the state's south coast.
Reeves is now facing 17 charges, including nine counts of aggravated sexual assault,
six counts of indecent assault, one count of female genital mutilation and one count
of maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm.
The charges relate to evidence from 10 female former patients.
At Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday, Magistrate James Garbett ordered Reeves be
held in custody, refusing bail.
He said he agreed with the prosecution that Reeves could be a flight risk, and that
there was a strong chance a significant custodial sentence would be imposed if the
charges were proven.
"The allegations are very serious," Mr Garbett said.
Reeves was expressionless as bail was refused but then sat with his head in his hands.
He will next appear in Central Local Court in Sydney on November 5.
Meanwhile, a victims' rights group has called for the axing of the NSW Health Care
Complaints Commission because it says the investigation of cases is inadequate.
Medical Error Action Group spokeswoman Lorraine Long said the medical complaints
commission knew about allegations against Reeves for years before the alleged
victims went public this year.
"There should be a completely different way of addressing complaints. The Health
Care Complaints Commission should be shut down," she said.
"It does not serve any purpose, it does not function properly and it's known about
the Reeves' matter for at least the 12 years that I've known.
"They've just plodded along."
Ms Long said the police investigation revealed the inadequacies of the HCCC.
"What a relief. Relief and justification that the persistence of 12 years has paid
off," Ms Long said.
"Anyone who takes action against medical professionals, it's a seven or eight year
exercise.
"I think for the police to take that first step after six months, that's a great
result."
