Mr Richard Whittle – Registered Nurse – Unsatisfactory Professional Conduct and Professional Misconduct

15 December 2022

The Health Care Complaints Commission prosecuted a complaint against Registered Nurse Richard Whittle before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (‘the Tribunal’).

It was alleged that between February 2019 and August 2020, while working at a mental health unit in Taree, Mr Whittle:  

• Breached numerous conditions of his registration.
• Sexually harassed and objectified female staff and patients.
• Bullied and intimidated his colleagues.
• Failed to provide information requested by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Health Care Complaints Commission.

On 9 December 2022, the Tribunal found these allegations proven and found Mr Whittle was guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct.

The Tribunal will determine protective orders following a further (Stage 2) hearing.

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.