SickKids physician arrested for child sexual abuse material, no patient risk found

A Toronto SickKids doctor has been charged with possessing and accessing child sexual abuse material. Police say no link to his medical practice has been found.

SickKids doctor charged over child sexual abuse material, hospital places him on immediate leave

Google News CA — Crime (EN) reports that a physician at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children has been charged with possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, according to Toronto police.

Dilan Dissanayake, 44, of Toronto, was arrested and charged on Tuesday, police confirmed in a news release. The charges have not yet been tested in court.

Toronto police's internet child exploitation unit launched the investigation after a person allegedly used an electronic device to access and download child sexual abuse and exploitation material. In February 2026, officers executed search warrants at the hospital and at a private residence, seizing several electronic devices, including a work computer.

"At this time, investigators have found no evidence that the child sexual abuse and exploitation material is connected to his practice as a physician," police said in the release.

Dissanayake was scheduled to appear in a Toronto courtroom on Tuesday.

SickKids said in a statement posted to its website that it is "deeply upset and dismayed" by the allegations and condemns the behaviour described by police. The hospital said the safety and well-being of patients, families and staff remains its highest priority.

"SickKids has not been notified of any risk to patients and families, and the Toronto Police Service has indicated there is no evidence that the charges are connected to Dr. Dissanayake's medical practice," the hospital stated.

The hospital said Dissanayake was placed on immediate leave once it became aware of the investigation. Families of patients who received care from Dissanayake are encouraged to contact the hospital's patient relations team with any concerns.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto police.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)