SUPPORTERS of a Scottsdale doctor suspended after complaints three years ago say they have been vindicated by the Tasmanian Ombudsman's report critical of the Medical Council of Tasmania.
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The Medical Council of Tasmania suspended Dr Paul McGinity twice in 2009 in response to concerns raised by four medical practitioners at Scottsdale and Dr George Cerchez, a medical advisor at the health department.
In his report into the Medical Council's handling of the case released yesterday, Ombudsman Leon Atkinson-MacEwen found the first suspension, without giving Dr McGinity a chance to respond to the allegations first, was ``unreasonable and unjust''.
Mr Atkinson-MacEwen said that the council acted in haste and on only bare allegations.
``All in all, the suspension was inadequately thought through . . . particularly for a step that would have such gross effects upon the practitioner, his family, his employees, his patients and the local communities in which he practised,'' he said.
The Health Practitioners Tribunal last month concluded its investigation into Dr McGinity over his treatment of eight patients, allowing the general practitioner to remain registered subject to conditions limiting his working hours and requiring some supervision.
Mr Atkinson-MacEwen, who took over the investigation from the previous Ombudsman in March, apologised to all involved, particularly Dr McGinity, for the time taken to complete the investigations.
In response to a draft of the Ombudsman's report, MCT president at the time Dr Peter Sexton and committee member Dr Fiona Joske said that their decision was influenced by the widespread community concern about Dr Jayant Patel in Queensland and a fear they would be seen to have not acted quickly enough.
Brian Khan, spokesman for the McGinity Support Group, said that the Ombudsman's report vindicated their position.
``It wasn't a medical decision, it was a political decision,'' Mr Khan said. ``He was denied natural justice and due process.''
Mr Khan said that Dr McGinity was not allowed to speak out about his treatment under the conditions imposed on his registration.
Supporters are demanding a public apology from Premier Lara Giddings, who was Health Minister at the time.
