Dr Graeme Reeves Appointment and Obstetric Patients Complaints

Mrs JUDY HOPWOOD (Hornsby) [6.15 p.m.]: I make this private member's statement on behalf of the residents of the Hornsby electorate. In doing so, I call attention to the need for the Government to urgently review any information it receives about intolerable situations and to take action expeditiously. Members speak in this place about issues that affect our society. It is a very sad day indeed when members speak in this place about a doctor who is alleged to have caused harm to patients. Most health professionals are compassionate, caring and hardworking people who are committed to their careers. They want the best outcomes for their patients. I see those qualities in all the health professionals I meet at Hornsby Hospital and other health facilities. Today I want to address the matter of Dr Graeme Reeves and the patients who have suffered under his management.

Dr Reeves worked at Hornsby Hospital until 1997. It is only in recent days, following revelations about the doctor and his practice of medicine on the South Coast, that concerns have been raised with me. I have not met these women, but they are part of an action group that seeks justice. The citizens of New South Wales should be able to seek medical and/or surgical treatment from a doctor without fear of the outcome. Certain occupations in our communities are considered synonymous with trust. It is important to note that members have a responsibility to raise matters of serious concern in the interests of public safety and to correct and preserve the confidence of the public in the services that are provided to them. Once raised, such matters should attract immediate action. In September 2007 the member for Bega made a private member's statement about Dr Graeme Reeves, in which he said:

I call for an urgent Government investigation of the situation I will now outline to the House. I wish to detail the story of a woman in Bega with whom I have met on a number of occasions and who has suffered terribly at the hands of gynaecologist Dr Graeme Reeves.

When members raise matters of serious concern, they must be acted upon. Sadly, this issue was not acted upon in an expeditious manner. Commissioner Garling, who recently visited the Hornsby area, is conducting an inquiry into acute services in our public health system. The commissioner has been charged with the additional task of examining matters pertaining to Dr Graeme Reeves that occurred in the southern area of the State. It is a distinct area of investigation separate from the acute services investigation. I hope that a full and thorough examination of the issue will be undertaken, and that changes to the health system and reporting procedures that are required will be included in the recommendations.

Such recommendations should be specific and strong in their intent. I also hope that the Iemma Government will deal with the recommendations expeditiously. A number of inquiries have been undertaken into the provision of health care. It is a small comfort to the brave people who raise the matters that the inquiries have not resulted in a report with teeth. In particular, I refer to the Anderson family, who are very disappointed that their appeals for action have not resulted in any appreciable difference. The people of New South Wales want the Government to restore their faith in the health system. The residents of the Hornsby electorate deserve nothing less.