Queensland Health Ombudsman has opened an investigation into David Zhen. This comes on the heels of significant scrutiny over the medical health services promoted by his for-profit massage therapy corporation, H2OMASSAGE. Dr. Lynne Coulson Barr, the Health Ombudsman, dropped a bombshell. She cautioned that the treatments provided by Zhen had the potential to exacerbate patients’ conditions or even cause irreparable harm.
The probe comes after Zhen was found to have been performing procedures on the patients from Australia, as well as abroad—including Chinese patients. The Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) has had a struggle. They are hoping to determine all the patients who were treated by Zhen. Officials are asking the public to remain vigilant and report. If you have been treated by him, please speak out and tell us your experiences.
Concerns Raised by the Health Ombudsman
Dr. Coulson Barr told us that she is very concerned about the safety of health services Zhen provides. She noted that “Mr Zhen has placed his patients at high risk of serious harm by providing health services and treatments that could be dangerous and ineffective.” The letter reveals the seriousness of the situation, specifically the threat patients face from dangerous professionals.
In her public announcement, Dr. Coulson Barr sought to allay the community’s fears by defending the state’s health care system. She stated, “The vast majority of health practitioners across our state provide safe and appropriate care to their patients.” This comment seeks to counter the inflammatory revelation of Zhen’s practices with an intent to restore faith in the larger health system.
Public Call to Action
Experts are reportedly warning patients who have been treated by Zhen to consult a qualified health professional. Dr. Coulson Barr emphasized, “We urge members of the public who have received a health service from Mr. Zhen to seek medical advice from a registered medical practitioner and to contact the OHO.” This recommendation would go a long way toward making sure that patients get the care and support they need after traumatic experiences like those at H2OMASSAGE.
Patients are further encouraged to check the credentials of their health providers using the Ahpra registry and the OHO website. This is an important step in making sure they are getting the best care available by certified professionals.
Rare Public Statement by OHO
This inquiry is important for several reasons. It’s just the second time that the OHO has ever made a public statement, publicly shaming an organization to protect the community. The seriousness of the issues raised reflects the continued dedication of health officials to protect the public’s health and safety.
As the investigation continues, clients of Zhen need to be aware of their rights and remain informed. It’s really important for them to be smart and proactive about their health care and maintain that option.
