A doctor who had an affair with his patient for over two years has lost an appeal to overturn his registration cancellation.
In a Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal decision released to the public on Monday, Dunedin doctor and former director of Broadway Medical Centre Dr Paul Charles Bennett lied to cover up his sexual relationship with a patient.
Dr Bennett appealed the Tribunal's penalty and non-publication orders to the High Court but it was dismissed on June 29.
Dr Bennett had been the patient's doctor since 2006 and was also her children's doctor.
The pair bonded over a shared interest, spending a large amount of time indulging in the activity.
The court documents said on Valentine's Day 2016, the patient sent Dr Bennett a photo of her on holiday with a scenic vista behind her. He responded with a message saying that the subject was as stunning as the scenery.
About one month prior to the relationship becoming intimate, Dr Bennett transferred the patient to another doctor at the centre where he worked. Despite this, he continued to see the patient for five consultations.
However, the doctor the patient was transferred to only worked twice a week and if they were not available the patient would see Dr Bennett.
Dr Bennett also continued to write prescriptions for the patient and continued as the GP for her children.
In April 2016, a sexual relationship started that went on for over two years and during that time the patient saw Dr Bennett in a professional setting nine times.
The court documents state that at the start of the affair, the two discussed Dr Bennett leaving his wife.
The relationship ended in 2018 and the patient disclosed their relationship with another doctor who later reported it to the Medical Council.
The patient also told the father of one of her children who also made a complaint.
Dr Bennett denied that the pair had engaged in any sexual misconduct, but five months later in 2019 he admitted to their sexual relationship and apologised for misleading the Medical Council.
On top of the cancellation of his registration, Dr Bennett was ordered to pay $30,000 and a range of conditions was imposed by the tribunal if he were to re-commence practice.
