George Doodnaught, 61. (CBC)

Toronto police have charged a North York General Hospital doctor with sexual assault alleged to have occurred between August 2007 and February 2010.

George Doodnaught, 61, of Toronto, has been charged with three counts of sexual assault.

Police allege three women reported being sexually assaulted by the doctor in three separate incidents.

The three alleged assaults took place while the victims were under anesthetic and undergoing surgical procedures in hospital, police said Thursday.

The women range in age from their mid-thirties to their eighties.

Doodnaught's hospital privileges were revoked last month when the police investigation began.

Doodnaught has been an anesthesiologist since 1981, and has worked at the North York hospital for the past 28 years.

He has also worked at a number of other facilities throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Bonnie Adamson, president and CEO of North York General Hospital, said the hospital is devastated by the news.

“I cannot imagine how painful this must be for the patients and their families who have come forward,” Adamson said at a Thursday afternoon news conference.

“My heart goes out to them.”

Investigators are working with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario to determine if there are more victims.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-4040, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 or online at www.222tips.com.

North York General Hospital has provided a number for patient inquires: 416-756-6271.

Doodnaught is scheduled to appear in court April 1. He is out on bail, police said.