Latest suspension attracts Lucas | Emerald News | Local News in Emerald

THE suspension of a second doctor from Emerald Hospital prompted a visit from Deputy Premier and Health Minister Paul Lucas last week.

Doctors John Chibanda and Miroslava Kon are under investigation after complaints were made against them to the Health Quality and Complaints Commission.

After Central Queensland News covered Dr Chibanda’s suspension, the HQCC announced it was extending its enquiry into registration and credentialing processes statewide.

During his vist, Mr Lucas met with doctors, nurses, administrators and kitchen staff.

A spokesman for the Minister revealed his intention was to follow up and listen to staff concerns about a foreign trained doctor under review.

Mr Lucas said he was very concerned about the matters under investigation.

"I’ve been to Emerald on many occasions before. It’s a great city and I wanted to make sure that the government is supportive of the hard working Queensland Health staff there and that we are there to understand any issues they have on the ground," he said.

Dr Chibanda was suspended last month after concerns were raised about his registration and standard of clinical care.

He had spent two years at Emerald Hospital and previously worked in the Northern Territory, where his employment record was blemish-free.

There were 12 complaints about Dr Chibanda’s work in Emerald from nurses and patients.

Dr Chibanda’s registration status with the Medical Board of Queensland is currently listed as ‘renewal pending’.

In September 2009, Dr Miroslava Kon was suspended without pay from Emerald Hospital. She has general registration with no conditions attached.

Queensland Health has assured residents the suspended doctors’ positions are being covered by locums.