INVESTIGATOR TO CHECK ON HEROIN TREATMENT

The Medical Board of Queensland has appointed an investigator to
examine the use of naltrexone by Brisbane doctor Stuart Reece in
treating heroin addicts.

It follows an order by Health Minister Wendy Edmond earlier this month
for the board to look into the work done by Dr Reece.

Board registrar John Greenaway yesterday said the investigation was in
its ``earliest stage'' and it was not yet known how long or which
direction it would take.

``However, as required by the Act, the investigation will be conducted
as quickly as possible having regard to the nature of the matter to be
investigated,'' he said.

``The board's main function is to ensure the protection of the public.
To this end, the board intends to ensure that a careful investigation
of Dr Reece's medical practice takes place.''

The Courier-Mail recently published concerns about Dr Reece's work and
reported there had been 24 deaths among almost 850 patients treated by
Dr Reece since July 1998.

It was also revealed naltrexone implants, surgically fitted into the
abdomens of drug addicts to block the effects of heroin, had not
undergone any clinical trials and were ``not validated for human use''.

The investigation uncovered widespread fears among doctors,
psychiatrists, psychologists and carers that Dr Reece's ``unfettered
enthusiasm'' for naltrexone may be doing more harm than good for some
of his patients.

Meanwhile, the Royal Australian College of Physicians yesterday called
for a trial of medically prescribed heroin to treat addicts for whom
other methods have failed.