A mental health patient with alcohol issues was sexually exploited by a male nurse who seduced her with a bottle of wine, the health and disability commissioner has found.
The female patient, a client of the Community Mental Health Service (MHS), became sexually involved with a registered nurse who was directly involved in her care, Health and Disability Commissioner Anthony Hill said in a report released today.
She suffered from major depressive disorder with associated anxiety and panic attacks, alcohol related issues, and a history of suicidal thoughts - which increased in stressful situations.
The pair had "intermittent social contact prior to the time the nurse became directly involved in her care", Hill said.
After arriving at the woman's house in a district health board car, the nurse pulled out a bottle of wine he said was for her.
The pair then had sex, and the nurse left soon after. They had sex again later that day, and the nurse said he would return another day with more wine. He said he had always "fancied her".
The woman then complained to her MHS case manager about the nurse.
Hill said the nurse had breached professional boundaries, knowing the woman was a patient of the MHS.
He was also aware the woman was vulnerable and had mental health issues, including problems with alcohol.
Hill said the nurse had "sexually exploited" the woman by having sex with her, giving her alcohol and offering to bring more.
He recommended the nurse undertake training on professional boundaries and that the Nursing Council of New Zealand consider a review of his competence.
The nurse would be referred to the independent director of proceedings to decide if further action should be taken.
The district health board that employed the nurse was not found to be in breach of the code of health and disability consumer rights, but Hill recommended they consider compulsory annual up-skilling for staff on professional boundaries.
The nurse has apologised to the woman.
Names and locations have been suppressed.
- The Press
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