The chief executive of Healthcare Australia, the company that employed the doctor at the centre of the COVID-19 vaccine overdose scandal, has been stood down.
Health Minister Greg Hunt has told parliament that Healthcare Australia CEO Jason Cartwright has been stood aside.
“I am advised that the chief executive was being stood aside as a consequence of the discussions and in particular, the company is installing new management,” Hunt said.
Hunt has also said the company could lose the contract if there are any further significant issues.
The doctor has also been referred to the regulator.
A statement from Healthcare Australia chairman Daren McKennay said, “We apologise unreservedly to the patients and their families involved for the distress this has caused and assure the community that the error was isolated and will not be repeated.
While a review is being conducted, “Healthcare Australia CEO Jason Cartwright has agreed to step aside from his role and an interim CEO with extensive experience in the health sector will be imminently appointed,” he said.
“We will also further strengthen the Healthcare Australia management team with additional executive support.”
The 88-year-old man and a 94-year-old woman who were given up to four times the correct dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are said to be doing well in hospital.
