A mental health worker in Nelson Marlborough has been investigated following allegations of paying a former patient for sex and mistreating her shortly after her discharge from a secure unit where he was employed.
The worker, who is no longer employed by Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, has not provided specific responses to the allegations, citing the severe impact on his family.
The patient, struggling with bipolar disorder and addiction, reported the worker initiated contact for paid sex, which later led to an inappropriate encounter that worsened her mental health. Despite assurances of a thorough investigation by Health NZ, the patient feels left in the dark about the process and its outcomes, prompting her to consider further complaints.
The case has drawn criticism from advocates like the NZ Prostitutes Collective, who condemn the worker’s actions as a clear violation of professional conduct and a case of sexual harassment. The patient continues to grapple with the psychological fallout and lack of transparency from Health NZ, exacerbating her mental health struggles.
