Complaints lead to new guidelines
The Medical Council is revising its guidelines on doctor-patient relationship boundaries after allegations against Wellington doctor Deane Drew.
It will also look at the way victims are treated during misconduct inquiries, with changes including the introduction of specialised sexual violence training for investigators, and improved communication with complainants.
Stuff revealed in May that Drew was being investigated for allegedly entering multiple sexual relationships with vulnerable women patients over three decades at his central city practice. It has now been 22 months since the first claim was made.
The Medical Council initially appointed a professional conduct committee (PCC) to investigate allegations by four women, including Drew’s estranged wife, Catherine English. Two further complainants have since come forward.
Wellington woman Kim Dewhurst is also fighting to have her historic complaint reconsidered after the council’s 1994 ruling that Drew’s relationship with her while he was caring for her child was ‘‘improper’’ but did not justify disciplinary action.
The Medical Council is now revising its statements on sexual and professional boundaries in doctor-patient relationships. This was last done in 2009. It comes after the Drew investigation, and with misconduct hearing costs topping $1.4 million last year.
Proposed changes include stressing the importance of trust, that physical examinations must have a clinical basis and the patient’s consent, and making it clear any relationship between a doctor and a family member of a patient – for example, the mother of a child being treated – is inappropriate.
In regards to the PCC process, complainants against Drew said that appearing in front of a panel of doctors to give evidence was ‘‘horrible’’ and intimidating, which was exacerbated by few updates and no support.
Medical Council chair Andrew Connolly said these criticisms were fair and changes had been made. The PCC would, in future, make initial contact with complainants by phone, discussing the process and offering four to six weekly updates.
A specialist support person would also be offered. The complainant would be given the option of meeting with one member and a legal adviser, instead of a panel of doctors, and have a choice of interview location.
An information sheet for alleged victims of sexual misconduct would also be developed.
A bill making all regulatory authorities – including the Medical Council – subject to regular performance reviews by Government – is before Parliament.