Spike in sexual misconduct complaints against doctors
The true numbers are probably even higher, says sexual misconduct notifications committee chair Christine Gee
The number of doctors reported to the regulator for sexual misconduct has risen steeply in the past year, according to figures obtained by Australian Doctor.
AHPRA data show there were 209 notifications alleging a breach of sexual boundaries made in 2018/19, up from 141 in the previous year — an increase of 48%.
The rise comes in the wake of an independent review of the chaperone system in 2017, which revealed widespread failings.
The review was prompted by the case of a Victorian neurologist who allegedly abused a male patient behind a curtain while a chaperone was in the room.
