A doctor at Toronto’s SickKids hospital has been arrested on charges related to possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, police say.
Toronto police said its Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit launched an investigation in January after an electronic device was allegedly used to access and download child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
In February, investigators executed search warrants at The Hospital for Sick Children, commonly known as SickKids, and at a private residence.
Investigators said they seized multiple electronic devices, including a work computer.
On Tuesday, police arrested Dilan Dissanayake, 44, of Toronto.
He has been charged with possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material. The charges have not been tested in court.
The accused was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Police said Dissanayake is a doctor at SickKids and has since been placed on leave.
“At this time, investigators have found no evidence that the child sexual abuse and exploitation material is connected to his practice as a physician,” Toronto police said in a news release.
Hospital releases statement
The Hospital for Sick Children has since released a statement, expressing that it is “deeply upset and dismayed” by the allegations.
“We understand that this news is concerning, and the safety and well-being of our patients, families and staff remain our highest priority,” it wrote.
“SickKids has not been notified of any risk to patients and families, He (Dissanayake) was placed on immediate leave once (we) became aware of the investigation.”
The hospital went on to say that patient families who received care from Dissanayake and have concerns can email patient.relations@sickkids.ca.
According to the the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Dissanayake specializes in Rheumatology.
University of Toronto releases statement
In a statement to CTV News, a spokesperson on behalf of the University of Toronto confirmed Dissanayake held a clinical appointment at the university, and that officials have no “evidence that the charges relate to his university activities.”
“We are reaching out to members of the university community who may have worked and learned with him to make them aware of available supports and resources, in collaboration with SickKids,” the statement reads.
The university also confirmed he was placed on administrative leave as soon as they were aware of the police investigation “into these serious offences.”
“The university would end its relationship with any individual found to have engaged in such conduct,” the statement reads.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with further information is asked to contact Toronto police.
If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
- The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
- The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: +1 866 925 4419 or +1 800 721 0066 (24/7)
- Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: +1 416 597 8808 (24/7)
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 (24/7)
- Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
- Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: +1 844 750 1648
- Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.
