Doctor previously banned from complex surgery in NSW given senior clinical safety role with Queensland Health

A cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Michael Byrom, has been appointed to a senior clinical safety position with Queensland Health despite being previously banned from performing complex surgery in New South Wales. The appointment was made by the deputy director general of Clinical Excellence Queensland, Dr Helen Brown. Byrom had been restricted from performing major heart and lung surgery by the New South Wales medical regulator due to concerns over his clinical practice. However, he is now set to take on a senior role with Queensland Health, following a "rigorous recruitment process". The appointment has raised questions about how Byrom was selected for the position, prompting a request from the Queensland premier for an investigation into the matter. Byrom no longer has any conditions placed on his practising in New South Wales.