Doctor's suspension not connected to methadone program

The College of Physicians and Surgeons has suspended the licence of a physician who works with Eastern Health's mental health and addictions program.

No details have yet been released on who the physician is or where he or she works, and why the licence was pulled.

However, in a statement released by theCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and LabradorFriday, it said the male doctor's suspension was not in relation to the practice of methadone treatment.

He was suspended following an adjudication tribunal that was closed to the public, at the request of the complainant, the statement said.

The suspension was effective Sept. 4., and the doctor is able to file an appeal before mid-October.

Eastern Health told CBC News that the authority is transferring patients in its program to other doctors.

"Eastern Health's priority at this time is to ensure that the clients affected by this situation are cared for and continue to have access to the health services they need," the authority said in a statement.

Some of the doctor's patients take prescribed methadone. Those patients have been asked to contact Eastern Health's opioid treatment centre in St. John's.

Prescriptions written by the unnamed physician will be honoured until Oct. 19, Eastern Health said.