A criminal investigation is underway at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital after revelations an alleged "imposter" doctor worked on the wards for several months.
According to a report by Stuff, the man worked in the hospital's respiratory department for a number of months before it was realised he wasn't registered.
In a statement, police confirmed an investigation was underway.
"Police can confirm a report has been received in this matter," a spokesperson told AM. "Enquiries now are underway, however as these are still in their very early stages we are unable to comment further at this time."
Health Minister Andrew Little said he was advised about the matter on Wednesday.
"I have been advised that an investigation is under way into the actions of this person," he said in a statement. "I am satisfied at the response of Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ to this employment matter."
A spokesperson for Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau confirmed to AM the man was hired earlier this year "on the basis of documentation that was not authentic".
"The person is no longer employed at Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau," the spokesperson said. "This matter is with police to investigate."
In an update on Thursday afternoon, Te Whatu Ora said it is contacting affected patients who were seen by the person claiming to be a medical practitioner.
"The person was working in a clinical research position and reviewed patients, under supervision," a spokesperson said.
"The person was stood down from their role on August 1 as soon as Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau received concerns about their New Zealand Medical Council registration status."
Their employment concluded at Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau on August 10, and a complaint was filed with police the same day.
Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau apologised to patients seen by this person.
"We are deeply sorry," said Dr Andrew Connolly, Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau chief medical officer.
"We have reviewed the care of every patient who was seen by this person. This includes investigations, treatment plans and the dispensing of any medications during the time the person was at Middlemore Hospital.
"We are now contacting all patients seen by this person. A thorough investigation of the clinical care provided by the person has told us that there has been no compromise to any patient’s care."
Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau is undertaking a full investigation into its employment vetting processes.
Should a complaint be submitted to the Health and Disability Commissioner, they may also investigate.
"The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights applies to any person - or entity - providing health or disability services, regardless of whether they are registered or not," a statement from the commissioner said. "So if a complaint was submitted about someone providing a service who was not a registered practitioner, the Health and Disability Commissioner would still assess it to see if it required further investigation.
"Registration and credentialing are the responsibilities of health and disability service professional bodies."
