Charge

On 25 June 2019, the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) considered a charge laid by a Professional Conduct Committee against Dr Deane Diesel Drew, medical practitioner of Wellington (the Doctor)

The charge alleged the Doctor was guilty of professional misconduct in relation to four women patients with whom he had an inappropriate sexual relationship. The women were patients of his at the time of commencing the relationship.  All of these patients were vulnerable through their mental health issues. The charge further alleged the Doctor prescribed drugs of dependence and psychotropic medications to three of these patients contrary to accepted professional standards. 

The conduct was alleged to have occurred over a lengthy period of time from approximately 1991 until October 2016 when the allegations came to a head. 

Background

The hearing proceeded on the basis of an agreed summary of facts. The Doctor admitted each of the particulars and underlying facts to the charge.

Finding

The Tribunal found all the particulars of the charge were established and the charge of professional misconduct was made out.

The Tribunal considered the charge against the Doctor involved prolonged breaches of trust against highly vulnerable patients.  His conduct was found to constitute malpractice and/or negligence and has brought or was likely to bring discredit to his profession.

Penalty

The Tribunal ordered that the Doctor’s registration be cancelled and conditions were imposed that he needed to meet before he could apply for re-registration.  The Tribunal also recommended to the Medical Council, three further conditions that should be placed on his practice if the Doctor was re-registered in the future.

The Doctor was censured, fined $3000.00, and ordered to pay 35% of the total costs ($28,966.27).