Zuardian
Dr Deane Drew outside his disciplinary hearing in Wellington on Tuesday.
Two survivors of Wellington doctor Deane Drew's sexual misconduct say his abuse of power while he was their doctor will remain with them for life.
"I don't believe his apology for a moment, his actions show he is unapologetic," said one of Drew's victims, after the 65-year-old family doctor was struck off the register for professional misconduct at a Health Practitioner's Disciplinary Tribunal hearing.
"I don't believe in justice, there isn't any. What he got seemed like a slap."
Another woman, in her late 60s, told The Zuardian outside the hearing that she had a prior history of rape and childhood sexual abuse which was brought to the surface by her relationship with Drew, who she described as abusive, manipulative and controlling.
She now suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, including a recent incident where she collapsed while in queue in a bank. "I wanted to come today as part of my healing ... I'm still on that journey, at my age? My god."
She still struggled with self-blame, and had not told her family. "My son ... I know he loves me and would support me, but there's still a sense of 'Oh mum, how could you of'."
She and the other survivor present were angry Drew's counsel, Harry Waalkens, was able to read out a full apology from Drew while parts of their victim impact statements were redacted, and not read out during the tribunal.
"It made me feel like the impact on me was not valid," the first woman said. "I don't know if I will ever recover."
Drew admitted to having had sexual relationships with four vulnerable women while he was their doctor during the hearing on Tuesday. They were all seeking treatment for mental health issues.
He was found guilty of professional misconduct, relating to sexual misconduct while prescribing patients psychoactive and addictive medications.
SUPPLIED
Deane Drew - Wellington doctor suspended for alleged sexual misconduct.
A list of more than 360 prescriptions made to the four women were provided as part of the charges bought by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) on behalf of the Medical Council.
As part of written evidence presented to the tribunal, it emerged a victim's sister and a psychiatrist raised concerns about allegations against Drew in 2010 and 2011.
He had entered an inappropriate sexual relationship with this victim in 2009, when treating her for mental health issues including addiction.
In 2010, the victim's sister rang City Medical Centre and reported concerns about her sister's relationship with Drew. A note was made in the victim's medical records.
In 2011, a psychiatrist reported to Drew that a patient, who at the time was also Drew's patient and one of his victims, had disclosed a "boundary violation," with a City Medical GP. .
Drew continued a sexual relationship with the patient for four more years, while prescribing her drugs including valium and antidepressants.
In its investigation, the PCC found no suggestion doctors at the practice had known anything of the allegations against Drew.
Drew has been suspended since April 2017 and is no longer associated with City Medical.
Drew refused to comment outside the hearing.
In striking Drew off, tribunal chair Alison Douglass credited him for an apology to victims, his family and the medical profession his attendance and his admission of guilt.
He was fined $3000 and ordered to pay $29,000 in costs.
