Surgeon Accused Of Harassing Nurses With Amputated Toes

The West Parry Sound Health Centre (WPSHC) in Ontario, Canada, is investigating its chief of surgery after complaints accused him of sexual misconduct and harassment, according to reports. Six nurses accused Dr. Bill Smyth of using bullying behavior and making sexual gestures with an amputated toe, the Toronto Star reported.

The complaints regarding Smyth's behavior emerged over the past few months, which led the workers to question the medical facility's handling of the situation. The hospital confirmed to the Toronto Star Wednesday that an in-depth investigation was in progress.

"We have engaged significant external, independent expertise in a comprehensive investigation that is ongoing," CEO Donald Sanderson said Thursday to the Toronto Star.

After losing his privileges at a hospital southwest of Ottawa, Canada, for creating a "poisoned environment" among his colleagues, Smyth nabbed a position within WPSHC's medical team in 2009 as an orthopedic surgeon. He was then promoted to chief of surgery in 2015.

Smyth allegedly made honking noises while pretending to squeeze the nurses' breasts, hit them in the back of their heads, or kick the workers when they walked by him at WPSHC. One nurse even complained about feeling "unsafe" when she was alone in a room with the surgeon, the Star reported.

The most recent complaint against him surfaced after an operation to remove a man's toe. Smyth allegedly took the toe and clenched it between his fist to gesture the "f—- you" sign to a female nurse, which he claimed is a ritual he has done for years when amputating a toe.

"It is clear that Dr. Smyth's behavior has had a profound impact on his colleagues, having permanently damaged professional relationships and trust between many of his colleagues and himself," Dr. Peter McLaughlin, an arbitrator, said Thursday to the Toronto Star. "His behavior has created a poisoned environment which has extended beyond the medical staff to involve the [hospital] board and the community."

Smyth was given the opportunity to have his privileges revoked and resign from his position, but he decided to take the allegations made against him to court, according to reports. This resulted in Smyth paying $25,000 to WPSHC's medical advisory committee.

A representative for the West Parry Sound Health Centre did not immediately return International Business Times' request for contact.