Update on lawsuits filed by former patients of Dr. Cathy Frank. Those named in the lawsuits include St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital and CEO Paul Collins.

Here is release from legal firm issued Friday, Nov. 11:

Legate & Associates can advise that, since releasing the details of lawsuits undertaken on behalf of three women who were patients of Dr. Cathy Frank, over 50 women have come forward. The cases range from 2006 to 2010. Legate & Associates has been advised that complaints were made to the College of Physicians and Surgeons as early as 2006. It is expected that many more lawsuits will be issued.

Following is release from hospital Paul Collins issued late Friday evening, Nov. 11:

STATEMENT
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) is named in legal cases brought forward recently by former patients of Dr. Cathy Sheila Frank who held privileges at the hospital until May 2010.
At STEGH we are dedicated to protecting the safety of every patient and we are sincerely sorry for the negative outcomes experienced by these women.
In early 2009 the College of Physicians and Surgeons imposed license restrictions on Dr. Frank while she underwent a comprehensive review. The hospital co-operated fully in this review and simultaneously STEGH assigned a practice monitor to oversee Dr. Frank’s hospital care.
While awaiting recommendations from the College, the hospital determined that it was in the best interests of our patients to bring in an independent reviewer for their expert opinion. During the course of this investigation, Dr. Frank resigned in May 2010 and since then has not worked at STEGH. We notified the College of Physicians and Surgeons immediately upon the receipt of her resignation.
These cases brought forward are very specific to interactions between Dr. Frank and the patients involved. However if you have concerns about medical care you have received at STEGH, please contact your family physician. As always, the hospital will fully support follow-up by providing appropriate hospital records.
Because this is a judicial matter and before the court, we are not in a position to comment further.
Paul Collins
President and CEO
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital