The head of the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) Amanda Adrian has been sacked after a damning report into malpractice at two Sydney hospitals.The 13-month investigation looked at 47 complaints of malpractice and has found evidence that 17 patients died because of inadequate care.
The state's Health Minister Morris Iemma says while the results are shocking, the health watchdog's report does not go far enough.
He says the public's confidence in the HCCC has been damaged, and has terminated the contract of Ms Adrian.
The minister has also suspended two doctors, with 11 in total referred to the state medical board.
Iemma has apologised on behalf of the Government to families of the patients who died, as well as whistleblower nurses, who he says were unfairly treated.
"Sadly nothing I do or say will bring back the people who died as a result of inadequate care. Nor can I erase the unfair treatment of the nurses who raised the concerns," he said.
A commissioner's inquiry will be held into the allegations, to be headed by senior counsel Brett Walker. It will report by April.
By Kick The Dog 11 December 03
THE ELEPHANT: Craig Knowles and Bob Carr come on down!
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