Please attribute the following statement to Dr Lynne Coulson Barr OAM, Health Ombudsman

The OHO is an independent statutory authority responsible for managing health service complaints in Queensland. As a regulator of health practitioners in Queensland, public safety is our priority.

On 15 November 2023, the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal handed down its decision in the matter of du Toit v Health Ombudsman [2023] QCAT 373, setting aside earlier immediate action taken against Dr du Toit.

The purpose of an immediate action review hearing is not to assess disciplinary allegations, but whether interim action is necessary on the basis that a practitioner poses a serious risk to the health and safety of the public. This decision is available online at the Supreme Court Library Queensland webpage.

There are aspects of these proceedings which remain on foot before the Tribunal. In those circumstances, no further comment is able to be made at this time, save to note that the proceedings (and reasons) are subject to non-publication orders. Any media reporting the matter should inform themselves accordingly and cautiously.

The Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) does not otherwise comment on matters that may be under investigation. This is due to privacy and confidentiality reasons and to protect the integrity of any investigation that may be ongoing.

Any person with a complaint about a health service or practitioner is encouraged to contact the OHO on 133 646 or at www.oho.qld.gov.au.