Springdale doctor frustrated by Central Health

A Springdale doctor says Central Health is limiting his ability to care for his patients by not answering his request for hospital privileges, in the wake of his suspension for having had a sexual relationship with a patient.

• Back to work conditions for Springdale doctor who had sex with patient
• Springdale doctor admits to sexual relationship with former patient

Dr. Todd Young was suspended in November 2015 by the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Physicians and Surgeons after admitting to a three-year relationship with a former patient.

Young also admitted to inappropriate conduct with a second patient. That conduct involved hugging and kissing.

He admitted the misconduct in April 2014 and withdrew from practice at that time.

The College sanctioned Young with a 19-month suspension of his medical licence and a $20,000 fine to help offset the cost of the tribunal.

Looking for 'tools' to do his job

That suspension is now over, and Young has re-established his practice.

He wrote the health authority in late January requesting he be granted hospital privileges, but has not heard back with a decision either way.

I'm just disappointed that others haven't been able to give me the full array of tools I need to be able to take care of patients.- Dr. Todd Young

Those privileges allow physicians to admit a patient to hospital or to treat them inside the facility,

Young said he is frustrated by the lack of communication from Central Health.

"I'm just disappointed that others haven't been able to give me the full array of tools I need to be able to take care of patients," he said.

The physician who attended Memorial and McMaster Universities and completed training at Harvard is prepared to serve around 1,600 patients who've been waiting for a family doctor in the area.

His clinic will also be the site to pilot the province's new electronic medical records program.

Rally of support

People are lining up to be treated by Young.

Kim Batstone,a cancer patient from nearby King's Point,said his former patients are satisfied he has proven himself and can be trusted to look after their best interests.

"The mistakes he made, he paid for them, and it in no way affected his ability to be a doctor." she said.

"And it couldn't have changed people's view on him or he wouldn't have the amount of patients he has, and people trying everyday to get him as a doctor."

Patients are planning a rally for Wednesday to show their support for Young.

The mistakes he made, he paid for them.- Kim Batstone, patient

Meanwhile, in a written statement to CBC, Central Health said it cannot discuss the details relating to individual applications for privileges,

"It is not uncommon in this province or across the country for family physicians to practice in a community without hospital privileges," said the health authority in its statement.

Young has retained the services of lawyer and former provincial Minister of Health Jerome Kennedy, whosaid he be filing suit against Central Health in the coming days.

Kennedy is also representing three radiologists in Gander who have spoken out against management practices at Central Health.

One of the doctors has filed a human rights complaint.