HPCSA suspends Dr Gordon
Dr Luke Gordon has been suspended from practicing with immediate effect, following a judgement made by an ad hoc committee into his professional conduct.
This decision is pending the institution of a formal inquiry.
”This committee is satisfied that there is, indeed, evidence of actual physical and mental abuse of patients by the respondent,” read the judgement of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
”And, further, that there is evidence of harm and/or injury to patients as a result of unsafe professional practices by the respondent (Gordon).
”The respondent’s actions, in fact, substantially lower the dignity or damage the reputation of other people practicing the profession.”
The committee, which sat from April 8 to 11, heard the evidence of 14 complainants, who were not satisfied with Gordon’s work.
This included oral evidence from seven of the complainants, and seven more whose evidence was presented on paper.
The decision was based on the following points:
- The number of complaints in the matter was considered high in relation to a single practitioner who is highly qualified and the matter dates back to 2001.
- Gordon showed a lack of insight into the magnitude of the major procedures he performed on his patients. This was a clear display of his lack of judgement and understanding of the basic surgical principles expected of a reasonable plastic surgeon in his position.
- He breached ethical rules and principals, which include, amongst others, failure to provide an acceptable standard of care and obtain proper informed consent from his patients.
- He showed a lack of respect for the dignity of his patients in the way he treated and cared for them both clinically and physically, leaving them with serious permanent emotional and physical scars.
- Gordon showed inadequate and/or poor post-operative care and availability for what his patients expected of a reasonable plastic surgeon in his position.
- He showed a lack of appreciation and acknowledgement of the problems and or concerns raised by his patients in his dealings with them. He repeatedly failed to recognise and manage post operative problems presented by his patients.
- There were recurrent problems with the primary procedures, which showed a lack of competence expected of a reasonable plastic surgeon in his position.
Northvilla resident, and former patient of Gordon, Heugene Murray, had to have his leg amputated shortly after receiving bilateral calf implants in surgery performed by Gordon.
He was happy to hear of the committee’s ruling.
”I am happy he (Gordon) can’t hurt anyone else; it was my goal to stop him,” said Murray.
Gordon may appeal or place under judicial review the decisions of the committee.
The doctor could not be reached for comment.
