Prominent London-based plastic surgeon, Robert Richards, finds himself at the centre of a legal storm, as he confronts allegations of sexual assault only months after his practice privileges at local medical institutions were abruptly curtailed.
Richards, a celebrated practitioner known for specialising in hand and wrist surgery, nerve surgery, along with traditional plastic surgery, had formerly been associated with the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) as well as St. Joseph’s Roth-McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre.
However, in the aftermath of the levy of sexual assault charges against him on the 11th of August by the London Police, attempts to contact him for a reaction have sadly been in vain. This revelation was confidently articulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Early in the late spring, specifically May 27, both the LHSC and St. Joseph’s Health Centre in London communicated an immediate suspension of Richards’ privileges to the affiliated college. A scant two days later, Richards abandoned his hospital practice responsibilities, opting for resignation.
The professional consequences for Richards did not halt there. He parted ways with the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, where he had formerly held the post of an associate professor, in May itself. The school confirmed this development via an update on their official website.
A representative for Western, whilst declining any specific comments about Richards, stated that “As a condition of appointment to Western, all clinical academics must maintain a valid certificate with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and an appointment to the active medical staff of an affiliated hospital or institution.”
Fulfilling specific conditions, Richards managed to secure release on bail. Among these stipulations were the requirements to abstain from any direct or indirect communication with the complainant and maintain a buffer of no less than 200 metres from any location affiliated to the said individual.
Presently, there appears to be some ambiguity regarding Richards’ standing at Feel Better Wellness, observed as his primary practice location in London by the regulating authority.
Representatives of both the LHSC and the London Police notably refrained from making comments regarding this delicate situation, much to the disappointment of those seeking elaboration ahead of the impending deadline.
