"Marie Stopes International Australia has been advised that Victoria Police have today interviewed, charged and released an employee of the former Croydon Day Surgery.
It has been reported that this charge is part of a wider investigation into an identified Hepatitis C cluster linked to anesthetist Dr James Peters.
Whilst Marie Stopes does not directly employ the staff at the centre we have been advised that this employee has been suspended effective as of immediately and there will be an internal investigation.
We understand that all relevant medical authorities will also be notified of this course of action.
We hope that any interviews or questioning by Victoria Police expedite the process of the investigation into Dr James Peters so that there is a speedy resolution for the women that have been affected.
The centre formally known as Croydon Day Surgery is now called Marie Stopes International Australia, Maroondah."
Background Information
"Marie Stopes International Australia has been working in partnership with Croydon Day Surgery since March 2010. In August, the centre was re-named Marie Stopes International Australia, Maroondah.
Following the investigation and rigorous infection control audit carried out by the Department of Health earlier this year, we have full confidence in the infection control procedures at the centre and are confident there is no risk to clients.
The Department of Health has on a number of occasions emphasised that there is no risk to anyone attending the centre:
"This risk relates to the anaesthetist concerned and not to any general infection control issues at the Croydon Day Surgery" [1]
"It is important to stress that there is no Hepatitis C risk to anyone now undergoing surgery at the private medical centre." [2]
Marie Stopes has an extremely high standard of clinical quality and care and our National Medical Advisory Committee oversees all procedures and protocols for clinical quality and adherence to relevant regulations. The former Croydon Day Surgery now comes under this governance."
(ends)
About Marie Stopes International Australia: The Marie Stopes International Australia global partnership provides vital sexual and reproductive healthcare services to approximately 7 million people in over 40 countries worldwide. Marie Stopes offers a range of services and advice through our licensed and accredited centres in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Marie Stopes in Australia also provides life saving support to country partner programs in the Asia-Pacific and with Indigenous communities. Surplus funds from our Australian centres are donated to help these programs grow. For more information, visit www.mariestopes.org.au or call Toll Free 1800 003 707
[1] Victorian Department of Health, Hepatitis C Overview, Dr John Carnie, Chief Health Officer http://www.health.vic.gov.au/chiefhealthofficer/alerts/alert-2010-04-hepatitis-c-alert.htm
[2] Victorian Department of Health News Release, Update on Hepatitis C lookback, Dr John Carnie, Chief Health Officer www.health.vic.gov.au/chiefhealthofficer/downloads/hepatitis_C_lookback_26_july_2010.pdf
