UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Dr. John Stuchbery, a seasoned surgeon with 27 years of service, was officially terminated from his role at Albury-Wodonga Health on November 5, 2023. This abrupt dismissal has raised serious concerns about patient care and access to essential surgical services in the region.
Dr. Stuchbery’s departure marks a significant loss for the community, as he has been a cornerstone of the public health system, performing surgeries every second Tuesday for nearly three decades. “Next Tuesday is the first one that I won’t be going to in 27 years, and I just feel sick,” he expressed in an emotional farewell.
The decision to terminate Dr. Stuchbery’s contract has left him and his family grappling with shock and anxiety. He reported experiencing severe stress, stating, “I just suffer chronic anxiety, chest pain, heart racing, can’t sleep, can’t eat.” His wife, Jenni, echoed the sentiment, expressing frustration over what she describes as an injustice against the family and the wider community that has relied on his expertise.
Albury-Wodonga Health has declined to comment on the specifics of Dr. Stuchbery’s dismissal, citing policy regarding individual contracts. A spokesperson stated, “We thank Dr. Stuchbery for his long-standing contribution and extend our best wishes for the future.” However, community members are voicing their outrage, with a petition garnering approximately 6,000 signatures calling for accountability and better patient care.
Dr. Stuchbery believes he was let go due to personality clashes and his outspoken nature regarding the health board’s practices. He stated, “When I first got the complaint, I read it and thought this is garbage; swearing in a meeting, a sassy email, tone of voice, and I thought well, none of this is sackable.” Despite defending himself to the board, he was ultimately terminated, leaving him feeling hopeless.
The community’s reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many concerned about the implications of losing one of only two breast cancer surgeons in the area. “I was the only breast cancer surgeon here for about three years, and it’s not OK,” Dr. Stuchbery noted, highlighting the pressure on existing medical staff as they struggle to manage increased patient loads.
As Dr. Stuchbery steps away from the public health system, he faces uncertainty about the future of his patients. “It’s really difficult, I’ve been seeing them from the beginning … and yet all of a sudden a new surgeon has got to somehow pick up all the pieces and put it together,” he lamented.
The implications of his departure extend beyond Dr. Stuchbery and his family; they resonate throughout the Albury-Wodonga community, where health services are already strained. His wife, Jenni, expressed her deep frustration, stating, “This is our community, this is our public hospital… I just get so frustrated by the injustice of it.”
As the situation develops, the focus will be on how Albury-Wodonga Health addresses the growing concerns from the community regarding patient care and the management of surgical services. The public is urged to continue voicing their opinions and advocating for better health outcomes as the region navigates this troubling crisis.
