Court finds sacked Mackay doctor denied natural justice

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By Melissa Maddison

The Supreme Court has ruled a decision to sack an emergency department doctor at the Mackay Base Hospital, in north Queensland, be quashed.

Dr Peter Wirth was sacked as a senior medical officer in January last year.

It followed an investigation and report by law firm Clayton Utz about a breakdown in relationships and communication in the ED, with concerns it could affect patient safety.

Justice John Bond found that during the process, Dr Wirth was not told about the specific allegations against him, which included bullying, racial vilification and harassment.

He said Dr Wirth asked several times for the report and statements from 34 people interviewed but was denied each time.

During the process, Dr Wirth made several complaints about a lack of procedural process.

Justice Bond found Dr Wirth was denied the opportunity to make submissions against the complaints and was denied natural justice.

He ordered the disciplinary action and termination be quashed.