Six Qld doctors face criminal charges

SIX Queensland doctors could face criminal charges for medical malpractice but a whistleblower is surprised there aren't more under investigation.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg announced the police investigation on Sunday, saying up to 11 allegations have been made against one practitioner alone.

The investigation is one of four recommendations in a report from top criminal law specialist and former crown prosecutor Jeffrey Hunter SC.

The report was sparked by former medical board investigator turned whistleblower Jo Barber, who lifted the lid on the issue last year.

Ms Barber claimed to have evidence of a doctor murdering a patient, manslaughter, and doctors with alcohol or drug addictions.

She said she was surprised only six doctors had been referred to the police, given the amount of information she had provided to authorities.

"I worked at the medical board and I am familiar with the files there and there are many, many more than six doctors that should be investigated for criminal offences," she told ABC Radio.

"My view is that these six are the patsies - let's give them a couple of scalps, let's keep the public happy and then we can just leave the system alone."

A police spokeswoman was unable to provide details of the investigation on Sunday.

Mr Springborg says Mr Hunter's report will spur legislative change over how malpractice allegations are handled.

"Mr Hunter's findings highlight the need to strengthen control and responsiveness at the state level," he said in a statement.

Medical negligence lawyer Sarah Atkinson said any move towards law changes would help increase patient safety.

"This is also important for medical practitioners," the Maurice Blackburn lawyer said.

"The majority of health staff do a very good job, but it's essential that systems to protect patients are as strong as possible to ensure that those putting patients at unnecessary risk are identified as quickly as possible."

Mr Springborg has not revealed details of the allegations referred to police.

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