Dr Charlie Teo allegedly ordered nurses to tie patient with bed sheets, medical hearing hears

Dr Charlie Teo allegedly told a nurse to put one of his patients in a chair and tie her there ‘if you have to’ after performing surgery, a medical hearing has heard. 

The brain surgeon operated on the woman in 2019 with her daughter, who is employed as a nurse, recounting her mother’s deterioration and eventual death at an inquiry in Sydney on Monday. 

Dr Teo is facing a five-day disciplinary hearing at the Health Care Complaints Commission over allegations he operated without medical oversight with the tribunal expected to conclude on Friday.

Dr Charlie Teo allegedly told a nurse to put one of his patients in a chair and tie it ‘if you have to’, a medical hearing has heard

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Dr Teo is facing a five-day disciplinary hearing over allegations he operated without medical oversight and will come under scrutiny for the second day on Tuesday

The opening witness told the hearing her mother had developed paralysis and became wheelchair bound due to the devastating tumour and insisted on having the surgery.

She said despite her reservations, her mother decided to proceed because Dr Teo convinced her that successful surgery on her tumour would provide ‘extra time to come home and spend time with her family and her grandchildren’.

‘Nobody wanted to operate on mum’s tumour because it was too risky,’ she told the hearing.

She said Dr Teo was abrasive in his manner after the surgery, directing a nurse to ‘put her (the witness’s mother) in a bloody chair and tie the chair with sheets if you have to’.

The witness recounted a conversation in which she claims Dr Teo said: ‘I’ve got all the hope in the world … just give her some time’.

She asserted the neurosurgeon had given the family ‘false hope’.

Dr Teo is famous for performing neurosurgery on cancer patients with tumours other doctors have deemed ‘inoperable’.

Dr Teo is famous for performing neurosurgery on cancer patients with tumours other doctors have deemed ‘inoperable’

He has been accused of charging exorbitant fees and offering some patients false hope. 

The high-profile surgeon was restrained by the NSW Medical Council in August 2021 from operating without the approval of another doctor.

The move came after an investigation by the state’s Health Care Complaints Commission.

Dr Teo has been banned from operating unless a second doctor is satisfied his patients are aware of the risks and are financially informed about their decision.

Dr Teo has consistently denied any wrongdoing. 

‘It’s been a long road. It’s sad that we’re in this situation,’ he said on Monday.

‘I’d much rather be operating on Monday than doing this.

‘I’m really sorry to all those patients suffering from brain cancer and brain tumours. 

‘The truth lies between what you’ve heard and what I’m going to say.’

Boxing great Anthony Mundine (pictured), former cricketer Gavin Robertson and former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh and his wife Lynette were among the crowd

Dozens of his supporters clapped and hollered encouragement as he arrived at the first day of the hearing.

Boxing great Anthony Mundine, former cricketer Gavin Robertson and former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh and his wife Lynette were among the crowd.

Mundine said it was a ‘ride or die’ situation for Dr Teo. 

‘This has taken a toll on him,’ he said. 

‘But look how many people are here for him, he is obviously a lifesaver who is well-respected.’

Mundine also addressed the criticism heaped onto the neurosurgeon. 

‘There will be people that hate it … it’s a 50/50 game, you’re gonna win some, you lose some,’ he told Newscorp.

‘But I’m here. If you want to kick him, come kick me too.’