KEY POINTS:
A high-profile heart specialist, who emailed photos of his genitals to a female friend, has lost his bid for anonymity.
He can now be named as Dr Harvey Douglas White, director of coronary care and director of cardiovascular research at Auckland City Hospital, a leading cardiologist with an international reputation.
The Court of Appeal had rejected Dr White's case and yesterday the Supreme Court dismissed his bid for another appeal.
Last night, the specialist spoke of his regret. "I bitterly regret any hurt and upset one moment of madness nearly three years ago has caused to my family and professional colleagues," he said.
"I want to acknowledge a lack of judgment on my part. Most importantly, I want to express my thanks to my family and professional colleagues here and abroad for their unfailing support."
In September 2004, Dr White took photos of his genitals at his house. He downloaded them on to his hospital computer two days later.
He said he had tried to email the pictures to the friend "as a joke" but he was dismissed in 2005 after his employer rejected his explanation and an apology.
Dr White sought reinstatement and damages of $60,000 from his employers through the Employment Court after being fired. He was reinstated in his $220,000-plus a year job but was not granted compensation or permanent name suppression. He applied to the Court of Appeal for suppression but was rejected in June.
Dr White applied for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court against the Employment Court decision and was yesterday declined. He was ordered to pay the health board costs of $2500 with reasonable disbursements.
In its judgment, however, the Supreme Court said it had considered the likely consequences of refusal of name suppression.
"It is said these will extend beyond embarrassment and humiliation of the applicant and his family and that the prospects of continuing employment of those who work in his research unit will be put at risk.
"Such circumstances are not especially unusual and, we accept, are always relevant to name suppression decisions of the courts."
The cardiologist is world-renowned in medical circles.
He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2003, awarded for distinction in research and the advancement of science and technology.
