Doctor loses bid to get his job back

A doctor sacked by an Auckland Maori health organisation for allegedly trying to set up a rival clinic has lost an attempt to get his job back.

Dr Tane Arataki Taylor sought interim reinstatement to South Auckland's Raukura Hauora o Tainui, while his dismissal was being investigated by the Employment Relations Authority.

He was suspended and later sacked in June. He claimed it was unjustified and that his mana had been damaged.

But the authority this week ruled against his return, citing evidence that Dr Taylor had moved a patient database to his personal email.

It agreed with claims by the health organisation that his return could be "devastating" for the clinic.

"The evidence does establish Dr Taylor has taken steps to establish an operation of some kind, whether complementary or not, to Raukura's operation," the ruling said.

A full investigation is to follow, and this week's decision has no influence on the final outcome.

The authority said Dr Taylor did have an arguable case that his suspension was unjustified, as Raukura did not consult him beforehand.

Dr Taylor said he was "devastated" by his dismissal, and it was vital that he be reinstated to clear his name.

He had lost earnings of $75 an hour, and was the sole earner in a family of three children with a large mortgage.

But Raukura's acting regional manager, former MP Tukoroirangi Morgan, said Dr Taylor would have no problem finding work elsewhere as there was a huge demand for doctors.

The clinic no longer trusted Dr Taylor, he said, and believed he had tried to recruit other staff for a rival venture.

The authority ordered mediation, pending the full investigation.

- NZPA