Govt completes investigation into approval of 'unsuitable' doctor

The Victorian Government has completed an investigation into how Victoria's Medical Board approved an overseas-trained doctor, who was later deemed unsuitable to work at two regional hospitals.

The South African doctor worked at the Ballarat Base and Portland hospitals but was fired from both.

The Portland Hospital stated the doctor needed a level of supervision it could not provide.

The State Government investigated the matter, but has released only sections of its report.

The Government found at no time did the doctor treat patients without supervision and the Ballarat Health Service has since strengthened its assessment process for overseas-trained doctors.

It found the case shows the public health system was able to identify and deal with a doctor whose knowledge and skills were inadequate for the role.

The report states the Victorian Medical Board has also strengthened its assessment of overseas-trained doctors.