The doctor's patients were told he is no longer at the clinic . Photo / Thinkstock
The doctor's patients were told he is no longer at the clinic . Photo / Thinkstock
Health provider Tend says it has terminated its contract with one of its doctors after receiving “multiple patient complaints” which it has referred to the Medical Council.
Tend has emailed patients of the doctor informing them of his departure, saying it had conducted a review after “a number of seriouscomplaints”.
“Patient safety and maintaining high standards of care are our highest priorities.”
It did not elaborate on the specific nature of the complaints, nor disclose how many there were.
Since patients were contacted, Tend told the Herald, it had received further complaints and concerns about the doctor.
The doctor, who the Herald is not naming for legal reasons, said he completely disagreed with the content of Tend’s email and claimed he was being blackmailed and bullied by the health chain.
He described recent complaints as “trumped-up lies”, “rats and mice, communication-type things”, and “nothing of any importance”. He claimed complaints had been “largely” generated by Tend’s app.
“The patient can view the consultation on the app, and the patients are actually invited to rate the doctor like you rate an Uber driver.”
Tend said the complaints they referred to were formal, not app-based ratings.
The doctor alleged an ongoing commercial dispute with Tend was the motivation for the review and the subsequent termination of his contract.
A spokesperson for Tend said: “Tend rejects the statements made by [the doctor] and considers them to be defamatory and does not reflect the seriousness of the concerns that led to this outcome.”
Tend is a healthcare provider that offers both in-clinic and 24/7 online appointments.
Cecilia Robinson is the chief executive and co-founder of Tend Health.
It was launched in 2020 by Cecilia and James Robinson, the founders of My Food Bag, as well as top public health doctor Mataroria Lyndon and Pushpay’s Josh Robb. Cecilia Robinson is a columnist for the Herald.
The doctor confirmed he had previously been subject to complaints alleging he had made inappropriate comments, but said these were not upheld by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
The Medical Council’s online register said the doctor holds a current practising certificate.
The Tend spokesperson alleged that since the email to patients, a “significant” number of further complaints and concerns have been shared with the health provider.
“We are carefully considering this information and will take further steps where appropriate, in line with our clinical governance processes and the wishes of those involved. Patients have also been advised that they may contact the Health and Disability Commissioner directly.”
A spokesperson for the Medical Council said it was unable to comment on whether it had received any notifications about an individual doctor, or on any matters under consideration, due to legal and privacy reasons.
“If we receive concerns about a doctor’s competence or conduct, these are taken seriously and considered carefully in line with our statutory powers and processes.”
The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal and the Health and Disability Commissioner were approached for comment.
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