Dr Paul Coghlan Martin – Medical Practitioner – Suspension for professional misconduct

22 March 2022

The Health Care Complaints Commission prosecuted a complaint against medical practitioner, Dr Paul Martin before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (‘the Tribunal’). It was alleged that while working as a general practitioner in Hamilton, the practitioner:

• engaged in a sexual relationship with Patient A from January to May 2005
• following cessation of the sexual relationship, continued to  treat Patient A until August 2019;
• prescribed Alprazolam and Nortriptyline to Patient A for an inappropriate quantity and frequency;
• prescribed Temazepam without a clinical indication;
• performed inappropriate pap smears and cervical examinations on Patient A; and,
• did not maintain adequate clinical notes.

On 15 March 2022, the Tribunal found Dr Martin guilty of professional misconduct as a number of these allegations were proven. The Tribunal suspended Dr Martin’s registration for 6 months, remarking that the sexual relationship was a serious violation of professional boundaries and such a boundary crossing is unacceptable.  

Tribunal: The full decision can be found here: NSW CaseLaw

Further Information

For further information, contact the Executive Officer of the Health Care Complaints Commission, on 9219 7444 or send an email to media@hccc.nsw.gov.au.

The information in this media release is correct at the time of publication. Orders may change; for example, conditions may no longer apply. For current information regarding the status of a registered health practitioner, including any conditions that currently apply, please check the National Register at www.ahpra.gov.au.