Loading Staff say they were told an anaesthetist who allegedly leaked damaging information would be “dealt with”. Dr Messara's partner is the head of critical care at the hospital. Dr Messara's lawyer Andrew Thorpe said the matter concerned one doctor and they were in contact. Mr Thorpe said Dr Messara would defend her reputation if any other individuals were to attack her.

Healthscope’s chief medical officer Dr Victoria Atkinson announced Dr Messara’s departure at a Medical Staff Council meeting on Monday night. Dr Atkinson – who has stepped in as interim medical director – expressed disappointment that doctors had continued to speak with journalists about their concerns, according to doctors at the meeting. In November, senior specialists unanimously supported a vote of no confidence in Dr Messara’s leadership the same day the hospital’s chief executive Deborah Latta resigned. Doctors have previously reported their colleagues were threatened with the cancellation or non-renewal of their one-year contracts after they raised criticisms about the hospital’s operations internally. Two anaesthetists have since resigned.

In a written response to questions regarding Dr Messara’s departure, Healthscope said: “While Dr Louise Messara has always had, and retains our full support, she has informed Healthscope that she believes continuing in the role of medical director will only serve as an ongoing distraction to the overriding focus which should be patient care. The Northern Beaches Hospital has been hit by multiple problems. Credit:Nick Moir “Accordingly, and at Dr Messara’s request, we will be utilising her extensive experience to contribute further to Healthscope’s vision to deliver market leading clinical outcomes and patient care," the statement read. It is not known to which Healthscope facility Dr Messara will be redeployed. Healthscope is in the process of finding a new permanent medical director.