Concern about a shortage of GPs has reportedly led a High Court judge to delay an appeal judgement on whether a doctor who had an inappropriate relationship with a patient should be suspended.
The New Zealand Doctor Online reports that the doctor's appeal was considered at the High Court in Auckland.
It says Justice Ailsa Duffy said suspension would impact on the GP's livelihood and possibly deprive his patients, as he works in a poorer area and has found it extremely difficult to get locum cover.
The article says the judge has proposed the doctor undergo a sexual misconduct assessment.
