In mid-October this year, the municipality of Trønder started a dismissal process against the municipal superintendent accused of abuse. In a recent letter from the State Administrator, it is stated that the discussion meetings to which the doctor has been called have been “cancelled indefinitely”. It also states that “it is difficult in the case to carry out discussion meetings with the employee”. The municipal director writes in an SMS to news that the doctor has stated that he “abstains” from meeting the municipality. The doctor’s lawyer, Karl Bjørnar Olsen, has no comment on this. Started the dismissal process one month ago. The Municipal Superintendent has been accused of abusing his position to obtain sexual intercourse. The doctor denies criminal guilt. He was suspended by the municipality from his position as municipal chief medical officer on 1 August this year. The Norwegian Health Authority has temporarily revoked his authorization. The doctor complained about the suspension, but the complaint did not go forward with the Norwegian Health Personnel Board. The decision states that the tribunal takes the information presented seriously. On 24 August he was charged by the police. The police have opened 58 cases against the doctor. The first questioning was done over two months later. At about the same time, the municipality sent two letters to the doctor accused of abuse: “Advance notice regarding dismissal or termination of GP contract” “Advance notice regarding dismissal or termination – summons to a discussion meeting cf. the Working Environment Act § 15-1” This happens before the National Health Inspectorate has concluded the inspection case, and while the police investigation is still ongoing. news has asked for access to the letters, but has been refused by both the municipality and the State Administrator. It is in this rejection that it emerges that the planned meetings have been canceled indefinitely. The municipal director writes that the doctor has now been given until 5 December to make a written statement in the matter. When asked how the municipality experiences the dialogue with the doctor, the municipal director replies that the dialogue mainly takes place via the doctor’s lawyer. Big costs for the municipality The doctor is on sick leave, and the municipality has had to pay for substitutes. The director of the municipality has previously stated to news that the municipality could receive around NOK 1.4 million in extra costs this year, as a result of the case. In addition, there are also future costs. These are estimated at around NOK 1 million extra per year over a three-year period. The extra expenses may mean that the municipality has to reduce staffing in kindergartens and schools. 20 patient complaints to the Norwegian Health Authority The Norwegian Health Authority opened an inspection case against the doctor on 24 April this year. They have received 20 complaints against the doctor about offensive and unpleasant behaviour. news has previously discussed the content of several of these. Women have told of unnecessary nudity, inappropriate touching and violent treatment. The National Health Inspectorate has previously stated that they have been told by the police to wait to proceed with the inspection case. For the sake of the investigation.
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Wanted to dismiss the doctor accused of assault – has canceled the meetings – news Trøndelag
