Doctor, 61, accused of sexual assault
Megan O'Toole and Alex Wright, National Post
March 12, 2010
A 61-year-old doctor has been accused of sexually assaulting three patients while they were under anesthetic.
George Doodnaught of Toronto has worked as an anesthesiologist at North York General Hospital for almost three decades. Police allege that three women ranging in age from mid-thirties to late eighties reported being sexually assaulted by the doctor between August, 2007, and last month.
"Three separate female victims report being sexually assaulted by the doctor while under anesthetic during a surgical procedure," Detective Constable Julie Stehlik told a press conference yesterday.
The women "have the ability to recall sexual acts occurring to them during surgical procedures," she said.
Authorities launched an investigation into Dr. Doodnaught last month after an alleged assault. Since then the police learned of the two additional alleged victims. The doctor has been charged with three counts of sexual assault.
He has been granted bail with conditions until his next court appearance.
Police say there may be more victims, and urged potential witnesses to come forward with information. Dr. Doodnaught has also worked at a number of other facilities in the Greater Toronto Area.
At a press conference at North York General yesterday afternoon, officials gave few details about the circumstances leading to the allegations, but confirmed Dr. Doodnaught's privileges at the hospital had been terminated.
"We're shocked and devastated that this may have happened at North York General Hospital," president and CEO Bonnie Adamson said. "We pride ourselves on the excellent care and service we provide, and these allegations again are focused on one physician."
Dr. Doodnaught was "a very busy physician," she said, and officials are working to pinpoint specifically how many procedures he performed. David White, vice-president of medical and academic affairs, noted patients coming out of anesthesia can have a variety of experiences, and memories may come back over time.
Darcy Merkur, a lawyer with Toronto law firm Thomson Rogers, has been retained by one of the alleged victims to advise her of her rights.
"We're in the process of giving her that advice," he said. "We anticipate being instructed to issue a lawsuit in due course."
The firm has been receiving calls from concerned people who think they may have been treated by Dr. Doodnaught. While none of the callers so far allege to be victims of sexual assault, Mr. Merkur said it is still early.
"We're fielding a lot of those calls right now," he said. "We're expecting to be fielding a lot more, and we're looking at the possibilities of a class action in the event that a lot of people come forward."
Police urge anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-4040, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS or www.222tips.com.North York General Hospital has provided a line for patient inquiries at 416-756-6271.
