A Waikato doctor who drunkenly abused a patient early on Saturday morning was suffering from a fatigue-induced mental break, it has been suggested.
The young doctor, who has since been placed on leave, entered patient Robert Williams' room in Waikato Hospital about 4am on Saturday, called him a "f****t" and accused him of swearing at staff and creating extra work.
The union which represents resident doctors says it's the result of the "extreme stress" doctors face every day.
"We have two or three resident doctors a year who hit a wall, suffering from serious depression sometimes, even delirium and delusion," Deborah Powell from the NZ Resident Doctors Association told Newshub.
"This is an extreme case, but [it] is not uncommon in doctors."
She commended Mr Williams on his bravery in speaking out, and said he should not have experienced the abuse.
"Having said that, if we don't look after the psychological as well as physical fatigue-related issues for our doctors, then this is the kind of stuff that can happen."
Dr Powell said while doctors are "good at looking at the physical", they need to lift their game when it comes to recognising psychological problems.
Dr Powell said while doctors are "good at looking at the physical", they need to lift their game when it comes to recognising psychological problems.
A recent survey of resident doctors found they often work 16-hour shifts up to 12 days in a row. Hundreds reported having fallen asleep while driving home.
Chief executive of Waikato DHB, Nigel Murray, says they are taking the accusation very seriously, and an investigation is underway.
"We will be investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident so we can take the appropriate action and offer the necessary support," Mr Murray said.
"We would also encourage the patient to talk to us in confidence about this serious complaint, which will help us complete our investigation."
Newshub.
