The Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner, Karen Cusack has imposed two separate Interim Prohibition Orders on Geelong based Psychotherapists/Counsellors following complaints received.

Greg Leonard Jackman and Geoffrey Lane, both of whom offer psychotherapy and counselling services in the Geelong region are general health service providers, and like all general health service providers, are subject to the code of conduct (The Code) under the Health Complaints Act 2016. The Code sets the minimum legal standards to support the provision of safe and ethical healthcare in Victoria.

“Separate complaints received by my office allege conduct by Mr Jackman and Mr Lane may be in contravention of the code of conduct for general health service providers,” Commissioner Cusack said.

Interim prohibition orders are important powers for the Commissioner where there is a serious risk to the health, safety, or welfare of the public and prohibiting all, or part of the general health service, is necessary to avoid that risk.

An Interim Prohibition Order (IPO) remains in force for up to 12 weeks, while an investigation is conducted. Multiple IPOs may be made throughout the course of an investigation to ensure there is sufficient time to investigate and collate evidence.

“I do not make interim prohibition orders lightly, but where unsafe or unethical general health service providers pose a risk to the Victorian public, then I will take action.”

The aim of all our investigations is to establish the facts and identify if any measures should be taken to protect the public from serious risks to their health, safety, or welfare. I may carry out any enquiries into the matters under investigations as I believe are necessary to establish the facts.” Ms Cusack.

“I would encourage any person who is concerned about the care they may have received from Mr Jackman or Mr Lane, or any health service provider, to contact my office on 1300 582 113, or via the online complaint form at hcc.vic.gov.au/make-complaint,” Ms Cusack said.

We continue to monitor all health service providers to ensure they meet their obligations under the Health Complaints Act 2016.