A surgeon at the Robert Schuman hospital group (HRS), who was already suspended internally, has now also been temporarily suspended from performing operations by Health Minister Martine Deprez.
The decision follows allegations that the orthopaedic surgeon performed unnecessary knee surgeries on ten patients. The minister’s office declined to comment on Thursday, but information obtained by RTL confirms the action. The duration of the suspension is not publicly known, though the doctor may continue to see patients in consultations.
In the Chamber of Deputies, Minister Deprez acknowledged the ongoing proceedings, stressing that the presumption of innocence applies. The HRS had initially suspended the surgeon on Tuesday.
The investigation began after six doctors from the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL) reported their concerns about their HRS colleague to their supervisor. The case has raised questions about internal hospital oversight and how such situations can be prevented.
According to Sylvain Vitali, Director of the Federation of Luxembourg Hospitals (FHL), hospitals lack direct authority to monitor individual doctors’ clinical decisions. He referred instead to the physicians’ code of ethics, which obligates every doctor to adhere to the highest scientific standards and evidence-based guidelines.
Vitali noted that a fundamental principle of medical ethics is “do no harm”. He stated that this requires each practitioner to continuously maintain their competence and follow proven recommendations.
While there is no mandatory continuing professional development for doctors in Luxembourg, hospital oversight operates through other channels. Physicians are bound to a hospital by an accreditation agreement, which outlines their rights and duties. Although this framework lacks direct control mechanisms, hospital management can intervene if patterns arise.
Vitali explained that if several complaints concern the same doctor, or if staff notice something, the management can seek a discussion. He further noted that peer review between doctors and supervision by the statutory Medical Board also serve as checks. “The Board can play a supervisory role and contribute to physicians’ continuing training”, Vitali added.
This specific case is notable because the allegations were raised by colleagues from a separate hospital. Vitali characterised the situation as “exceptional”.
“I have been in the healthcare sector for over 40 years. This is the first time I have heard of something like this being discussed so publicly”, he stated.
For now, the suspended surgeon cannot practice at the HRS. However, he may continue to see patients in a private practice unless the Ministry of Health also revokes his general license to practice – a decision the Ministry does not publicly disclose.
