Police, state health watchdog alerted to complaints against endometriosis doctor: premier
Sydney Morning Herald
by Liam Mannix, Henrietta CookFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced that serious allegations against Dr. Simon Gordon, a former gynaecologist at Epworth Hospital, have been referred to police and the state’s healthcare watchdog, Safer Care Victoria. The allegations include claims that Gordon performed unnecessary surgeries on women, including removing ovaries and uteri, without clinical justification. These procedures are said to have caused significant harm to patients, with over 120 women coming forward with similar experiences.
The Epworth Hospital has launched an independent inquiry into the matter, while law firms are considering a class action lawsuit on behalf of the affected women. Dr. Gordon, who retired from Epworth last year and surrendered his medical registration in January, denies the allegations. Premier Allan emphasized that performing unnecessary surgeries constitutes a crime and must be investigated by Victoria Police. She also called for transparency and stronger reporting mechanisms to prevent such issues in the future.
Safer Care Victoria has been tasked with sitting on the review panel to assess Epworth’s governance and ensure patient safety remains a priority. Premier Allan expressed her determination to restore public confidence in the healthcare system, particularly for women who have faced systemic barriers in accessing treatment for conditions like endometriosis. She criticized the private health system for fostering a culture where powerful doctors are protected, highlighting the need for accountability and reforms.
The allegations against Dr. Gordon raise important questions about the adequacy of oversight within the medical profession. Premier Allan pointed out that AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) had been slow to act on complaints and failed to notify hospital management when launching investigations into Gordon. She called for changes to strict confidentiality laws to allow healthcare institutions to be informed when their staff are under investigation.
These developments underscore broader concerns about patient safety, medical malpractice, and gender bias in the healthcare system. The case has sparked outrage among women who feel their experiences have been dismissed or ignored by the medical establishment. Premier Allan’s strong stance on justice for victims and her commitment to addressing systemic issues make this a significant moment in the ongoing fight for equitable healthcare access.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/24/2026