Neurosurgeon faces restrictions after complaints

SYDNEY: Temporary restrictions have been placed upon renowned Sydney neurosurgeon Charlie Teo’s medical licence after complaints about his work.

The measures include a rule that Dr Teo obtains written support from an approved neurosurgeon before performing certain types of brain tumour surgery.

‘‘If the written statement does not support the practitioner performing the procedure(s) the practitioner cannot recommend or perform the surgery,’’ the statement on his registration says.

The restrictions follow the opening of an investigation by the Health Care Complaints Commission.

The complaints levelled against the neurosurgeon have not been publicly revealed.

A spokesman for Dr Teo said the conditions would not impact the doctor’s surgical procedures and ‘‘will involve greater consultation — not a second opinion — with another neurosurgeon’’ regarding the rare types of cancer.

More detailed record-keeping and regular audits would increase ‘‘the transparency of his lifesaving work to the medical profession’’.

The inquiry into complaints against Dr Teo caused the Medical Council of NSW to last week call an ‘‘immediate action panel’’.

The confidential panel was not disciplinary in nature and sought to place protections for the public, the council said.

Dr Teo has the right to appeal the decision to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The conditions are in force from yesterday and will remain until the completion of a health watchdog investigation, unless the Medical Council decides to remove them earlier.

Dr Teo was embroiled in a public spat with colleagues in 2019 after charging one of his patients $120,000 for a life-saving operation. He denied overcharging his patients.