The suspension of a prominent emergency and critical care director, Dr. David Clancy, at Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) has ignited a firestorm of discontent among medical staff and the wider community. The Victorian branch of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has now broken its silence, publicly voicing profound concerns following what they describe as a lack of transparency and damaged trust in the hospital’s executive board’s decision-making processes.
The unrest escalated this week when Dr. Clancy, a highly respected figure in the medical fraternity, was escorted from the hospital premises. This action has sent shockwaves through the facility, with numerous staff members contacting the AMA Victoria to express their distress and anger.
Growing Staff Disquiet and AMA’s Public Stance
AMA Victoria president, Dr. Simon Judkins, revealed the depth of staff sentiment. “The suspension of a senior and highly respected member of the medical fraternity, Dr. David Clancy, has seen a reaction from staff and community which is profound,” he stated. “Staff who have contacted us are incredibly distressed and angry about this latest action and have raised concerns about the lack of transparency, the poor communication and the lack of trust they had in the processes that led to this decision.”
While the Victorian government has indicated that employment decisions are a matter for Albury Wodonga Health, the AMA has proactively sought the original report from Safer Care Victoria, which reportedly prompted the action against Dr. Clancy. However, this report has not yet been provided. Dr. Judkins also noted that Dr. Clancy was reportedly not named in the Safer Care Victoria report itself, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
AMA Victoria is planning to meet with the broader medical community at AWH in the coming days. “Representatives of AMA Victoria will be meeting with the wider medical community at Albury Wodonga Health in the next few days to gain a deeper understanding of how we can support the dedicated staff at the facility,” Dr. Judkins explained.
A Pattern of Departures and Governance Concerns
Dr. Clancy’s suspension is not an isolated incident. In recent months, Albury hospital has seen the departure of several senior medical professionals, raising serious questions about its governance and management.
Dr. John Stuchbery’s Dismissal: This included surgeon Dr. John Stuchbery, who had served the hospital for 27 years. Dr. Stuchbery claims he was sacked in September following his public criticism of a proposed $558 million redevelopment project, a significant undertaking jointly funded by NSW, Victorian, and federal governments.
Senior Nurse’s Departure: The hospital also lost its senior nurse, Geoff Hudson, who had also voiced concerns regarding the redevelopment plans.
Brad Robertson, a member of the Albury Wodonga Health Community Engagement Committee and a candidate in the Farrer by-election, highlighted the gravity of the AMA’s public intervention. “The fact that AMA Victoria has now felt compelled to speak publicly, after attempting to resolve matters behind the scenes, indicates the seriousness of the situation,” he commented. “When the peak medical body reports that staff are distressed, that there are concerns about transparency and communication, and that trust in organisational processes has been damaged, this should concern everyone who relies on our regional health system.”
Albury Wodonga Health’s Response
A spokesperson for Albury Wodonga Health confirmed that Dr. Clancy is currently on paid leave while an independent investigation is underway. The spokesperson declined to comment further on individual staff matters but acknowledged that an investigation has been initiated in response to concerns raised by AMA Victoria.
“Following a Protected Quality and Safety review by Safer Care Victoria conducted under the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic), and advice from Safer Care Victoria, AWH has taken steps to investigate these concerns,” the spokesperson stated. They emphasised that this is an interim measure and does not signify a finding of wrongdoing.
Crucially, the spokesperson clarified that this investigation is unrelated to any external advocacy or opinions on government decisions concerning the hospital’s redevelopment. “Albury Wodonga Health remains open to constructive dialogue that supports our clinicians in the delivery of safe, high-quality care for our region,” they added.
The office of NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has deferred inquiries regarding the matter to the Victorian government and AWH. The situation at Albury Wodonga Health underscores the critical importance of clear communication, transparency, and robust governance in maintaining staff morale and public confidence in regional healthcare services.
