CRISIS

The 2016 review called the relationship “inappropriate” and used it as an example of the “unprofessionalism” in the department at the time. It took two years before an agreement was reached in June 2017 that saw Klurfan and Gunnarsson resign. Their amended statement of claim was filed that same month.

view identified a number of concerns consistent with the residents’ accusations.

The Spectator did not have access to this review or a number of others done separately by McMaster in 2014 and 2015.

Discussions started in June 2015 about the neurosurgeons returning to work with different proposals put forward by both HHS and the doctors.

It took two years before an agreement was reached in June 2017 that saw Klurfan and Gunnarsson resign. Their amended statement of claim was filed that same month. A notice of action was previously issued on March 3, 2017.

Both neurosurgeons declined to comment through a lawyer.

Statements of defence came from HHS, Stacey and McLean in October 2018, and from McMaster, the six residents, Reid, Reddy, and Ajani in November 2018.

All deny the allegations in the lawsuit and say they plan to vigorously defend themselves.

The 2016 program review, initiated by McMaster to further investigate systemic issues raised in all the other reviews, came up with 20 recommendations, including a change of leadership in neurosurgery at both HHS and the university.

“There needs to be a low tolerance for breaches of professionalism,” it concludes.