A Consultant psychiatrist working at Bantry General Hospital has described as a travesty of justice, proceedings in Canada which resulted in him being found guilty of medical misconduct. This arose from charges that he had an improper sexual relationship with a woman patient.
The Irish Medical Council has confirmed that Dr Joseph B.A. Meagher (40), born in Monaghan, is fully registered to practise medicine in this State. Normally a doctor who moves from another jurisdiction is required to produce a certificate from the authorities there showing that he or she is in good standing.
However, in the case of somebody in Dr Meagher's position, who was previously registered to practise in the State, such a certificate may not be required.
Dr Meagher had been suspended for two years by the British Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1997. He appealed the decision of the medical authorities to the Supreme Court in Vancouver but has recently been informed that the guilty decision was upheld. He has instituted further proceedings in the Court of Appeal for British Columbia.
According to the Canadian court decision, the patient had been referred to Prince George Regional Hospital by a family physician because she was suffering from depression. It was alleged that sexual encounters began on the third visit.
Categorically denying he had sexual relations with the patient, Dr Meagher, now living in the Bantry area, said: "Doctors, particularly in my line of medicine, are always open to accusation".
He said he was hopeful his appeal would succeed, but expressed concern that his reputation could be ruined. However, he added that doctors internationally were facing situations like this and it was a "big issue" which he wanted to bring into the public domain.
The Southern Health Board yesterday set out the various procedures which are followed when a doctor applies for a job at one of its hospitals and said that these procedures had been followed.
However, confirming that the allegations against the doctor had been brought to its attention, it was seeking further clarification.
Dr Meagher said he had made the Irish Medical Council fully aware of what had happened in Canada when he returned here.