Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has ordered an investigation into the appointment of Dr Michael Byrom, a cardiothoracic surgeon previously restricted from performing major surgery in New South Wales, to a senior clinical safety position with Queensland Health.
Dr Byrom was appointed as the inaugural surgical medical lead for Clinical Excellence Queensland, a unit focused on healthcare quality and safety. The role involves establishing a Surgical Quality Assurance Committee to address preventable surgical morbidity and mortality.
In 2020, the Medical Council of NSW imposed conditions on Dr Byrom's registration after investigating clinical incidents at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He was restricted to simple procedures, banned from supervising trainees, and required retraining. Dr Byrom denied allegations, claiming complaints were motivated by malice, and said his surgical results were consistent with peers.
A Queensland Health spokesperson confirmed Dr Byrom now has no conditions on his practice, stating the appointment followed a rigorous recruitment process with extensive background checks. Premier Crisafulli said he asked the health minister to investigate, noting the appointment was made by Queensland Health, not the minister.
Dr Marie Bismark, a public health physician, noted that regulatory conditions are imposed only when risks cannot be managed otherwise. She said the public deserves an explanation of what has changed since the conditions were imposed.
