Convicted conman working for government

By Yoni Bashan
The Sunday Telegraph
August 09, 2009 12:00am

A CONVICTED conman who claims to be a doctor has been discovered working
for the NSW Government - treating police officers and public servants with
trauma and psychological injuries.

Detectives from Harbourside Local Area Command are investigating David
Ali Sarikaya, 45, after a complaint was lodged against him by the NSW
Medical Board.

Detectives raided his Milsons Point unit and office at the Sydney Trauma Clinic
in the CBD on July 31, seizing hundreds of documents and patient files.

Sarikaya lives and works in NSW under the alias Dr David Kaye and has been
authorised by WorkCover NSW to treat a range of people, including police
officers, prison guards and senior legal figures.

He changed names and moved to NSW more than a decade ago after being
convicted and charged of fraud in Victoria. Despite lacking medical credentials,
Sarikaya was appointed an "official visitor" for NSW Health, which has allowed
him to consult with psychiatric patients in hospitals for the past two years.

In March 2007, after passing a written application and interview, he was
approved for the position by then health minister John Hatzistergos.

The confidential accreditation signed by Mr Hatzistergos, and sighted by
The Sunday Telegraph, granted Sarikaya access to mental facilities and the
right to inspect patient records.

About six weeks ago he withdrew from the program after concerns were
raised about his credentials.

The revelations have deeply embarrassed departmental officials, who last
week called for a meeting with police to clarify details about his identity.

The NSW Medical Board refused to comment on complaints concerning
Sarikaya, but were aware of a police investigation.