nzherald.co.nz
Auckland psychiatrist Simon Bainbridge struck off for intimate relationship with vulnerable patient
By Raphael Franks
July 23, 2023

— Excerpt

An Auckland psychiatrist who had a sexual relationship with a vulnerable patient over six years has been struck off, censured and ordered to pay tens of thousands of dollars in costs.

The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal cancelled Simon Bainbridge’s doctor’s registration as his “conduct was of such a serious nature”.

Bainbridge’s patient, who has name suppression and is only referred to as Ms E, suffered from depression along with verbal and mobility difficulties, needing a walking frame.

She was “concerned about Dr Bainbridge’s involvement in the pornographic industry,” tribunal notes said.

Bainbridge represented himself, denying a relationship existed and his charge of professional misconduct and calling claims he worked in the adult film industry “fanciful and impossible”.

It was “not necessary for the tribunal to make a finding on whether he was involved with pornography” – Bainbridge’s sexual relationship with the patient was proved by explicit photographs and text messages…