 Det. Const. Julie Stehlik announces sex assault charges against North York General Dr. George Doodnaught, pictured, Thursday at police headquarters. (Stan Behal, QMI Agency)
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TORONTO - Three women were allegedly sexually assaulted by a "busy" North York General anesthesiologist with almost 30 years experience, Toronto Police say.
Investigators admitted the bust announced Thursday may panic the hundreds of women who have undergone surgical procedures at the Leslie St. hospital or its Branson site between 1981 and February 2010, but investigators hope the media attention will help find other alleged victims.
Dr. George Doodnaught, 61, is charged with three counts of sexual assault. He was released on bail Wednesday and will be back in court on April 1.
The investigation began in mid-February when one woman complained, Det.-Const. Julie Stehlik said.
Two more alleged victims came forward during the investigation. The three women, ranging in age from mid-30s to late-80s, were allegedly assaulted -- one in 2007, another in 2008 and one this year.
All the women were under anesthetic and undergoing surgery at the time, police said.
"They are in an anesthetic state, the three victims we currently have ... have the ability to recall the sexual acts occurring to them during their surgical procedures," Stehlik said.
Police did not specify the type of surgeries or whether there was a common link, saying releasing that information may compromise the investigation.
Adding to the possibility of more alleged victims is the fact the doctor also worked as an anesthesiologist at private clinics across Ontario.
Police are working with the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons to identify those clinics. The college confirmed Thursday it is investigating the doctor.
Records from the college show he has no past findings of discipline and no findings of malpractice or professional negligence since June 2009.
Doodnaught graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1974 and has been registered with the college since 1980, with a specialty in anesthesiology since 1981.
Officials at North York General Hospital said they were "shocked and devastated" by the arrest of a doctor who they described as "busy" and taking part in several surgeries a day.
Doodnaught has not been working at the hospital since mid-February when the first allegation surfaced, said Bonnie Adamson, president and CEO of North York General.
"We pride ourselves on the excellent care and service we provide and as these allegations, again, are focused on one physician. We acted very quickly and made sure he was not in our hospital," she said.
Shortly after the arrest was announced, Thomson Rogers, a Bay St. civil litigation firm, announced it was representing one of the alleged victims.
"We've been retained to investigate and likely pursue any civil claims that our client has in this matter," said Darcy Merkur, a partner at the law firm. "The allegations, and they remain allegations, they are horrific."
Police are urging any potential victims or witnesses to call 416-222-TIPS.
North York General has established a patient hotline at 416-756-6271.
-- With files from Jenny Yuen
don.peat@sunmedia.ca
