ACT Health Minister Simon Corbell last week announced a review of all hospital training programs Photo: Rohan Thomson
The Canberra Hospital has been stripped of its accreditation for urology training over concerns about internal culture and “significant disharmony” among staff, ACT Health announced on Wednesday.
The Australasian College of Surgeons informed ACT Health on Tuesday that training accreditation would be withdrawn, a move the hospital said would not impact on clinical care.
Last week Health Minister Simon Corbell and ACT Health boss Nicole Feely announced a review of all training programs. In a separate decision, the hospital’s maternity unit this year received the shortest possible accreditation period for its training programs, after an audit found ongoing cultural and bullying issues.
In a statement, Canberra Hospital deputy director-general Ian Thompson said the latest move was disappointing but urology treatment would continue.
The statement said the assessors noted a lack of respect and “mistrust” between consultants had created an unsatisfactory training environment at the hospital.
ACT Health will apply for accreditation next year.
“Canberra Hospital management will continue to work with the Urology Unit to address the concerns identified by the Board of Urology,” Mr Thompson said.
“These concerns relate to the training and educational experience of the trainees, as well as inadequate mentoring. The board found that central to the training issues in the urology unit at the Canberra Hospital was a culture of significant disharmony amongst the consultant staff.”
Mr Thompson said ACT Health would ensure two affected medical officers who are receiving training were provided with appropriate support.
Mr Corbell and Opposition health spokesman Jeremy Hanson have been contacted for comment.