Richard Reid, a former doctor, has been charged with sexually assaulting a 64-year-old patient at his Edgecliff practice between 2010 and 2014.
The woman originally went to Kings Cross police station in November 2018 to lodge a formal complaint against Dr. Reid. She alleged Dr. Reid sexually assaulted her during treatment.
Dr. Reid was arrested and refused bail. He has been charged with eight counts of aggravated sexual assault.
Previously, the doctor had been disqualified from practicing for five years in 2018 after numerous complaints relating to his use of pelvic mesh implants. The primary focus of the complaints related to the doctor’s recommendations and consent for surgery using a “Tissue Fixation System”, a pelvic ligament mesh device, at the Sydney Private Hospital in Ashfield.
What are mesh implants?
Also known as transvaginal mesh, these implants are designed specifically for women to resolve pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. The design and implementation techniques, however, have since appeared to be responsible for complications in some women. The results can be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening.
The current estimation of the number of women who have received the implant is around 100,000. The percentage of women suffering from complications ranges from 1-30%.
The most commonly reported symptoms of the mesh include:
- Ongoing pain in the back
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Recurrent prolapse
- Organ perforation and erosion
- Vaginal scarring
- Vaginal shrinkage
- Ongoing urinary and or bowel problems
- Painful or uncomfortable intercourse
- Nerve pain around the pelvic region with radiation of pain down the legs
Victims of mesh implants are currently investigating legal action against device manufacturers, state health departments, Australian regulators, and surgeons. Currently, there are over 1350 Australian women registered in class action lawsuits against major mesh manufacturers. There has also been an unknown number of individual settlements for women against doctors who implanted the devices.
Adrian Barakat, one of AJB Stevens’ solicitors in Sydney notes that the Western Australian Health Department is already a focus after multiple women have alleged a cover-up in regards to mesh device surgical trials in WA public and private hospitals. Dr. Reid also allegedly made inappropriate use of pelvic mesh to an indeterminate amount of patients over multiple years in NSW.
What to do if you are a victim of Richard Reid
AJB Stevens is in the process of investigating the possibility of claims against various surgeons, including Dr. Reid, who failed to obtain informed consent in accordance with acceptable medical standards. By bringing individual actions rather than a class action, claims can be brought against the regulator, the manufacturer, and the doctor. If you are a victim of Dr. Reid or believe you have been, contact us to discuss your concerns.
What to do if you are a victim of sexual assault
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, either by Dr. Reid, or another individual, we can assist you in getting compensation for your suffering. Our law firm handles sexual assault cases with the utmost sensitivity and discretion. We will help you navigate the legal frameworks that are often daunting and complex for victims of such crimes.
How can AJB Stevens help?
The team at AJB Stevens is currently investigating the possibility of individual claims on behalf of numerous clients who have had mesh implants. The main focus of this investigation is to bring individual claims against the health regulator, and the individual surgeons as well as the manufacturers. You can read more about our investigation here.
If you have questions or concerns regarding a sexual assault matter or mesh implants, contact the team at AJB Stevens today.
