An inquiry in Scotland last week concluded Czech-trained vascular surgeon Dr Patrik Tosenovsky's decision to operate on a 58-year-old man suffering leg pains had "on the balance of probabilities" caused his death.
The patient had already undergone three operations and had unhealed wounds which placed him at high risk of infection when Dr Tosenovsky made the decision to operate in November 2004, the investigating sheriff found.
The operation was a success but the patient contracted the MRSA superbug, which led to a haemorrhage and renal failure, and ultimately to his death two months later.
Townsville Hospital director of medical services Dr Andrew Johnson on Monday described Dr Tosenovsky as "an extremely competent surgeon" who maintained the hospital's full support.
"Dr Tosenovsky is a very well-regarded surgeon here ... the coroner has been very particular to point out that the finding does not mean that Dr Tosenovsky is negligent or in any way a bad doctor," Dr Johnson said.
Medical Board of Queensland chair Dr Mary Cohen said Dr Tosenovsky's registration required supervision by an Australian-trained doctor.
She said the board would be reviewing the supervision arrangements over the next fortnight.
However, Dr Johnson said Dr Tosenovsky's supervisor, Dr Frank Quigley, held him in high regard.
"The results of that supervision are extremely positive. He is very highly regarded by his supervisor and by other staff. Frankly, if I needed to have an operation I would be happy for him to do it."
Dr Johnson said he feared the controversy surrounding the finding would drive Dr Tosenovsky away from Townsville.
"The greatest risk to the people of Townsville is not Dr Tosenovsky operating - the greatest risk is that he may leave us," Dr Johnson said.
"We would be robbed of an extremely good vascular surgeon, and I've got to tell you they are hard to come by so that would be an absolute tragedy for our community."
But state opposition health spokesman John Paul Langbroek accused Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson and the medical board of failing in their duty of care by registering the doctor before the inquiry had been finalised.
"I find it inconceivable that an overseas doctor with outstanding claims relating to the death of a patient was allowed to be registered in the first place," Langbroek said.
