IN A performance worthy of an Oscar, a Victorian health clinic orchestrated a theatrical stunt to make the Colac Area Health Urgent Care Centre appear busier during last year's visit from the state's Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas.
A Department of Health investigation revealed that about 10 staff members and their families posed as patients to impress the visiting minister.
The ruse had a staff member faking an injury while lounging on a trolley in a corridor.
For extra flair, an ambulance arrived theatrically with a "patient" on board.
All this to create a convincing illusion of a bustling clinic.
Although no real patients were affected, the Health Department condemned the charade, calling it a serious breach of the Health Services Act and the Victorian Public Sector Code of Conduct.
Colac's interim CEO, Steve Moylan, apologised, saying, "we are sorry, and we've accepted all the recommendations made from the investigation".
Minister Thomas remained oblivious to the carefully staged drama, only learning of it from a whistleblower afterward.
Meanwhile, Liberal MP Richard Riordan defended the production as "standard procedure" while Opposition Leader John Pesutto dubbed it a "serious scandal".
As officials consider next steps, one thing is clear: this elaborate ruse is one hospital drama that won't see a sequel.
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