Children’s hospital accused of shutting down grand round over discussion of Gaza conflict
Speakers say the decision is an attack on academic discussion in healthcare.
A grand round at a children’s hospital on the impacts of war on children has been cancelled by hospital management, allegedly due to complaints about discussion of the conflict in Gaza.
Those set to speak have condemned the move, saying it was an act of “unprecedented” interference in what they insist was an academic event, not a political one.
The grand round titled “Children and War” was set to be held at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Melbourne on 17 September.
However, the hospital’s CEO, Dr Peter Steer, issued a letter to organisers last week stating the event was cancelled due to safety concerns.
