Medical Practitioner, Dr E New Zealand Men's Clinic - Health and ...

Health and Disability Commissioner
I believe we offer an important service that fills a medical need in society. I have
understood Dr Tiller’s concerns and have made changes in areas that I agree with.
I do not accept that my actions have constituted a breach of Code [right] 4(1),
reasonable care of the patient. I believe [I] offer a high degree of reasonable care
and accept that there will be differences of opinion at times but my underlying aim
as a medical professional is to maintain a high standard of care above reasonable.
While I am personally disappointed and sorry that the 4 cases have not had a
successful outcome, they are by no means reflective of my care as a Doctor or of
my clinic’s standard practice. The thousands of successful patients that I have
treated and continue to manage their treatment is a testament of the standard of
care at my clinic.
I accept your criticism of my attention to section 4(2) due to my lack of
understanding of the medicines act which was more administrative than negligent
as I am very comfortable to explain to patients when prescribing medications for
an unapproved use.”
Dr E provided a report from Dr Sean Wright, a men’s health specialist from Australia,
to support his response to the provisional opinion. Dr Wright’s report is attached as
Appendix 6.
18 December 2008 12
Names have been removed (except the NZ Men’s Clinic) to protect privacy. Identifying letters are
assigned in alphabetical order and bear no relationship to the person’s actual name.