Woman: Hospital doubted molestation charge

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TORONTO, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- A Canadian woman says hospital officials initially rebuffed her when she accused a doctor of sexually molesting her while she was under anesthesia.

The woman testified in a Toronto courtroom during the trial of anesthesiologist Dr. George Doodnaught, who is accused of sexually assaulting 21 women, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported Thursday.

The 41-year-old woman detailed in graphic terms how she was molested in February 2010 while sedated but conscious in an operating room at North York General Hospital.

The assault was screened from other doctors and nurses in the room who were preparing her for a hysterectomy.

The woman said when she complained to the head of anesthesiology, he told her there had been no other complaints against the doctor.

The hospital later admitted there had been complaints about the doctor, and the hospital and police opened investigations.

After Doodnaught was arrested, 20 other women filed similar complaints.

Doodnaught has pleaded not guilty to all 21 charges.