By Hamish Clark
A Christchurch GP is still being allowed to practice, despite being found guilty of twice having sex with a 16-year-old female patient.
It has taken eight years for a medical tribunal to find the doctor guilty, and his identity remains a secret.
We can't identify him or reveal where he works but he's just been found guilty of disgraceful conduct for having sex with an underage patient - one of the most serious charges a doctor can face.
Christchurch GP Pippa Mackay says the doctor’s actions are disgraceful.
“I think it is a terrible thing. We are in a privileged position of some power, to abuse that sort of power in that way is appalling,” she says.
The sexual incident occurred in 1985. In 2002 "Ms A" complained and a charge was laid against "Dr C" for disgraceful misconduct.
It wasn't until November 2009 that a hearing took place and now a finding has been released. His name remains secret.
The case has taken so long because it is being heard under old legislation and wouldn't happen now. It was also the subject of numerous appeals.
“Some of those matters were appealed to the High court and then the Court of Appeal and up to the Supreme Court, so that takes quite a considerable length of time,” says Gay Fraser, of the Medical Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
With Doctor C's name still suppressed, suspicion falls on other Christchurch GPs.
“It is difficult for male GPs who qualified before a certain time, nobody knows who this is so potentially everyone is under suspicion,” says Ms Mackay.
There are a range of penalties the tribunal can impose, from suspending Doctor C from practicing ever again, to fining him $20,000 plus costs.
Doctor C could then lodge another appeal drawing out the process even longer. A decision is expected in six weeks' time.
3 News