NZMA condemns Fahey's actions

FROM: Dr John Adams, NZMA Chairman

DATE: Friday, 9 November 2001

SUBJECT: NZMA condemns Fahey's actions

The New Zealand Medical Association has condemned the reported actions of disgraced former doctor Morgan Fahey in having the medical notes of women patients in his prison cell.

NZMA Chairman Dr John Adams said Fahey is a disgrace to his former profession. "The NZMA absolutely condemns any further ongoing disturbing behaviour from this man in relation to any patient.

"I am appalled that medical notes of this kind were found in Fahey's cell. There is absolutely no reason why they should be there."

The notes should have been kept in secure storage or transferred to another practitioner.

Dr Adams said comments made by NZMA Ethics Committee Chairman Dr Keith Gibb, and reported in The Press, were based on inadequate information, are not the official views of the NZMA, and are unacceptable.

"The reported comments made by Dr Gibb undermine the experiences of the women who were violated by Fahey," Dr Adams said.

When Fahey was jailed last year, the NZMA "absolutely condemned" his criminal actions in sexually offending against women who trusted him as their doctor.

ENDS

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