Gynaecologist accused of lewd remarks quits

WELLINGTON: A senior gynaecologist accused of making lewd comments to patients during vaginal examinations has resigned.

RNZ has previously reported on separate allegations that he asked one young woman if he ‘‘had a chance with her’’ and another if she were ready to lose her dignity.

The second woman, who is a doctor herself, claims he inserted a speculum without warning, causing so much pain the examination had to be cancelled.

Te Whatu OraHealth New Zealand said it was concerned to learn of the allegations, and had been looking into these claims.

‘‘All patients deserve, and can expect, to be treated with dignity and respect when using our services. We sincerely and unreservedly apologise to any patients who have experienced distress.

‘‘Following discussions we can confirm that the clinician concerned will be retiring at the end of their annual leave period.’’

A spokesman said this would end ‘‘a long career of serving patients’’ from across the region.

RNZ has raised all the allegations with this doctor.

He earlier emphatically denied any inappropriate behaviour towards the young woman during her colposcopy at a hospital in February.

He did not respond to subsequent questions about the doctor’s experience in 2017.

She told RNZ alarm bells rang when she went to remove her clothes.

‘‘He asked me if I was ready to lose my dignity, which really threw me off.’’

Once on the examination table, he then shocked her by inserting a speculum without warning, causing her excruciating pain.

The appointment left her feeling ‘‘creeped out’’ and she felt the doctor’s behaviour was unprofessional and inappropriate.

As is usual practice, a nurse was present for both exams.

The young woman said the nurse did not challenge the doctor during the exam but passed her a business card at the end in case she had ‘‘further questions’’. — RNZ