14 Jul 2014

GP made sex comments to patient

2:52 pm on 14 July 2014

A family doctor who discussed masturbation or sex repeatedly with a patient says that he was trying to distract her from a serious eating disorder.

But Health and Disability Commissioner Anthony Hill says it was inappropriate and unprofessional.

The woman consulted the unnamed GP over anxiety, an obsessive-compulsive problem and the eating disorder bulimia.

She complained later that whatever she went for, he would discuss masturbation or sex, which made her feel uncomfortable.

The GP denied any sexual interest, saying he was seeking to build different habits to replace her current destructive behaviours.

But Mr Hill said on Monday that it breached a clear sexual boundary between doctors and patients and he recommends that the GP face a competency review.