Two years after it was alleged that a Victoria urologist photographed an unconscious obese male patient and sent the picture to others for non-medical reasons, the B.C. College of Physicians and Surgeons has yet to rule on the case.
The privacy breach is alleged to have occurred on July 4, 2013, at Royal Jubilee Hospital.
It was reported to Island Health’s information stewardship, access and privacy department the next day.
Island Health immediately launched its own investigation into urologist Dr. John Kinahan as well as a separate investigation by a third-party lawyer specializing in labour, employment and human rights.
The investigations were concluded in September 2013 and forwarded to the College, the authority that addresses discipline.
“I am not able to provide you with further details until the findings of the investigation are released, which we anticipate being at the end of this month,” said Susan Prins, spokeswoman for the College.
Island Health spokeswoman Kellie Hudson said the health authority would not release its investigation results, pending findings from the College.
“In the interests of fairness and due process, we will wait for the findings from the College to determine what, if any, action is appropriate in response,” Hudson said.
The allegations against Kinahan have not been proven and he maintains his hospital privileges.
