London surgeon charged with sexual assault, hospitals pull his privileges
A London plastic surgeon is facing a sexual assault charge months after local hospitals suspended his privileges to practise there.
London Police charged Robert Richards, a plastic surgeon in London with sexual assault, on Aug. 11 according to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Richards previously practised at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph's Roth-McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre. He specializes in hand and wrist surgery, nerve surgery, and plastic surgery.
Richards could not be reached for comment on Sunday.
In June, LHSC and St. Joseph's Health Centre London notified the college that his privileges were suspended effective May 27. Two days later Richards resigned from hospital practice.
Richards was also a former associate professor at the Schulich school of Medicine & Dentistry and resigned in May, as stated on the school’s website.
Western declined to speak to Richards specifically, while a spokesperson for the university stated “As a condition of appointment to Western, all clinical academics must maintain a valid certificate with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and an appointment to the active medical staff of an affiliated hospital/institution.”
He was released on bail with conditions, including refraining from communicating with the individual and cannot be within 200 metres of any known place affiliated with the named person, the notice read on the college’s website.
It's unclear if Richards is still practising at Feel Better Wellness, which the regulator lists as his primary location of practice in London.
London police were unable to provide a comment by deadline.
On Tuesday, LHSC confirmed Richard's hospital privileges had been revoked.
"Physician privileges to practice medicine at London Health Sciences Centre are considered, granted and maintained through a comprehensive credentialing process that is aligned with the conduct, values and principles expected of a professional member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario," LHSC said in a statement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Over 300 dead, thousands displaced in northern Afghanistan as floods affect region
The UN food agency estimated that unusually heavy seasonal rains in Afghanistan have left more than 300 people dead and thousands of houses destroyed.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.