Covid 19 Omicron outbreak: GP suspended for anti-vax views begins District Court appeal

By Sam Olley of RNZ

Two of the first doctors to be suspended for Covid-19 misinformation in New Zealand are appealing against the Medical Council's decision in the Wellington District Court today.

GP Dr Matthew Shelton's arguments are being heard in the civil proceedings first, before those of retired Taranaki radiologist Dr Peter Canaday begin tomorrow.

Shelton was practising at the Plimmerton Medical Centre last year.

He made headlines when patients received texts from him, discouraging fertile women and children from getting the Covid-19 vaccine.

The Medical Council's lawyer, Simon Mount QC, has made a submission that Shelton used the Plimmerton Medical Centre patient database to send the message to approximately 600 patients.

Among the other allegations, the council said: "In a consultation with a patient, Dr Shelton suggested the Prime Minister had faked her Covid-19 vaccination."

It also said Shelton "made public statements in the popular media, on social media and at public gatherings advocating against Covid vaccination".

This led to the Medical Council's decision in December last year to suspend Shelton, pending a Health and Disability Commission investigation into his treatment of 11 patients.

The Royal New Zealand College of GPs is also investigating a possible breach of its rules.

The Medical Council said since its suspension, Shelton has continued to advocate publicly against the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

Most recently, he addressed the protesters occupying the grounds of Parliament last Friday and told them the Pfizer vaccine contained "microscopic electronic components".

Judge Stephen Harrop must decide whether he agrees or disagrees Shelton acted inappropriately and should be suspended.

Shelton's lawyer, Matthew McLelland QC, told the court this morning that his client had acted on his strong beliefs in informed consent.

He accepted he had made mistakes and had apologised to the council for sending the 600 texts.

McLelland said his client was "having a bad day at the office".

One doctor allegedly suggested the Prime Minister had faked her Covid-19 vaccination. Photo / Getty Images

"He got it wrong, and he's accepted responsibility for that. He's told the Medical Council he'll never do that again."

He said the texts were done in a rush, he pressed the wrong button and did not intend that the texts would be sent to so many people.

McLelland said some of the other complaints were hearsay, and Shelton denied some of them.

He said his client was not told soon enough when complaints were laid, and thus, there was no justification for an urgent suspension.

It was not a fair process.

He said throughout last year, Shelton "makes it clear [to patients], that is my own [vaccination] view, and it's not the consensus".

Shelton's arguments will continue to be heard this afternoon, then Canaday's arguments tomorrow.

The third doctor suspended in December, Dr Emanuel Garcia, has withdrawn his appeal.