Last night the Prime Time Investigates programme on RTE (23.11.21) depicted events relating to alleged sexual assaults of patients by a doctor employed as an anaesthetist while they were under his care.

Although we recognise that these matters are currently under investigation, and that the named individual was not on the Specialist Division of the Medical Council Register for Anaesthesiology, we are conscious that the allegations may have raised concerns, amongst those who have undergone or will undergo anaesthetic procedures in Irish hospitals.

Today, we seek to reassure those who may have these concerns. While all healthcare professionals must always treat patients with the utmost respect, as anaesthesiologists we care for patients at their most vulnerable and our responsibilities to them are even greater for that reason.  The care and protection of patients who are unconscious are central to who we are as professionals.

We feel it is important today to reassure those who have placed or will place themselves in our care of our complete professionalism and respect for their dignity.

George Shorten, President of the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland.