A Te Awamutu nurse has had her registration cancelled after she repeatedly took sick leave by lying about a sick son in hospital.
Between October 1 and November 30, 2009, Therese Leach was granted more than 15 days' sick leave from her job at the eye clinic at Waikato Hospital, saying her son had cancer and was receiving treatment in Auckland's Starship Hospital.
She also sent an email claiming to be from "Dr E'' which explained her son's treatment and why she had been off work. Her son was not actually sick.
In its findings released today the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal said a nurse must be able to be trusted and "Mrs Leach clearly cannot be''.
Mrs Leach did not attend the hearing so it had no explanation why she lied.
