Our apology

In June 2021, our (then) Deputy CEO apologised on behalf of the Medical Council for the Council’s role in failing to hold Dr Leeks to account.

"Ahakoa he iti he pounamu, he whakapāha tēnei.   Although small, it is valuable, it is an apology.  To the survivors of the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit, the Medical Council is sorry.  We want to acknowledge the pain and suffering of all survivors who 
 experienced abuse while in State care, including those at Lake Alice Hospital.  The Medical Council acknowledges the hurt that you have experienced and apologises for any actions that the Medical Council of the time should have taken but did not. 

Due to the length of time that has passed, since the complaints about Dr Leeks were made, and the incompleteness of the records which are available, it is with regret that the current Medical Council is unable to provide reasons for the decisions that were made in  
the past in relation to complaints of abuse or in relation to Dr Leeks. 

The Council accepts that some complainants have been dissatisfied and disappointed with those decisions and it sincerely apologises for any hurt that has occurred as a result. 

The current Medical Council of New Zealand has asked me to convey its clear and absolute position that it strongly condemns misconduct by any doctor that results in harm to patients or to the public.  Thank you."

You can find our full 2021 apology here: 
Document Library | Abuse in Care - Royal Commission of Inquiry  .

A transcript of our evidence before the Royal Commission can be found here  . 

The Royal Commission’s website also contains other evidence filed – you can find this here:
Our progress | Abuse in Care - Royal Commission of Inquiry  .