CDC Clinics, who, together with director, Cynthia Lea Weinstein, was last year issued with a prohibition order banning them from providing clinical treatment and advice, has been fined $45,000 in the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court for performing illegal liposuction surgeries under anaesthesia.
Cynthia Weinstein was, until recently, the sole director of CDC Clinics Pty Ltd. Health Complaints Commissioner, Karen Cusack, had previously issued the clinic, and Ms Weinstein, with a prohibition order imposing permanent bans.
Ms Cusack said the prohibition order banned Ms Weinstein from undertaking or performing medical or surgical procedures, or assisting, directing or instructing any person in providing clinical treatment.
The prohibition orders were issued following an investigation that found Ms Weinstein and CDC Clinics, based at 1155 High Street, Armadale, had breached the code of conduct for general health service providers in Victoria.
Ms Cusack said her office had first issued an interim prohibition order against CDC Clinics in August 2018, and subsequently replaced those orders 2019, while the Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC) conducted two separate investigations. The Commissioner imposed a further Prohibition Order in May 2020 under the Act to protect the health, safety or welfare of the public.
“Even though the fine imposed by the Court related to separate actions, it still reinforces how important our work is when we see unethical and unsafe health service providers being held accountable for unlawful actions. The safety of Victorians is my number one priority, and I will continue to investigate and, where appropriate, impose prohibition orders on those general health service providers who do the wrong thing and put the Victorian public at risk.
“We rely on community members to come forward with their concerns so that we are aware of possible breaches of the code. We can then work independently and impartially to establish the facts and understand what measures, if any should be taken, to protect the public’.
“All Victorians should expect, and deserve, safe and ethical care when receiving any of these treatments, regardless of whether it’s in a salon, spa, clinic, shop or centre.
“Providers of these services must adhere to the code of conduct, and we take any breaches of this code incredibly seriously.
“I urge anyone with a complaint or a concern about a cosmetic treatment provider, or any other health service, to contact the HCC on 1300 582 113 or via our online complaints form. All complaints are approached with sensitivity and confidentiality.”
“I also encourage the public to check our website at hcc.vic.gov.au to make themselves aware of providers who are subject to prohibition orders under the Health Complaints Act.
“If you become aware of a provider practising despite being issued with a prohibition order please contact the HCC on 1300 582 113.”