A nurse has been summoned before a disciplinary court by GGZ Drenthe because he entered into a sexual relationship with a patient of the institution. “GGZ Drenthe especially wants to make it clear that you cannot get away with this,” said lawyer Gerard Beernink today in Zwolle on behalf of the institution.
According to the nurse, the relationship started on his last day at GGZ Drenthe. He had known the woman for several months. He had taken her to the psychiatrist several times. The man indicated afterwards that he had not given enough thought to what it meant for the woman that she got into a relationship with one of her therapists.
The nurse knew that he was not allowed to enter into a relationship with a patient, even after he had found another employer. He said he did not know that it could also be a criminal offense. The man called that relationship the biggest mistake of his life. He now works elsewhere in healthcare, but has no direct contact with patients there.
The nurse had requested that the matter be handled in private. The disciplinary tribunal did not agree. According to the patient, the man mainly wanted to prevent her from attending the hearing. She nevertheless decided to stay at home, because the case “has already had a huge impact on her personal and working life.”
The patient is undergoing trauma treatment after the relationship and has reported the incident. The Public Prosecution Service alone has not proceeded to prosecute. According to lawyer Beernink, GGZ Drenthe awaited that procedure before the disciplinary case was initiated.
If the disciplinary committee does not impose a measure, the woman still wants to try to enforce criminal prosecution through the court. The disciplinary court will rule no later than July 7.