A North Shore psychiatrist has retired from practice after being censured by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.
The regulatory body announced last week that Dr. Paul Eric Termansen must have a chaperone present any time he is treating a female patient, unless it is part of a group session. Beyond that, Termansen must display a sign in his reception and treatment rooms stating the requirements for female patients and must notify the college if he wants to practise at another location.
The interim requirements came after allegations made by three female former patients "which included kissing and embracing, comments of a sexual nature, and a joint business venture with resultant negative financial consequences and threatened litigation," according to a statement from the college.
Termansen refutes the claims.
"It would be important to understand these are unproven allegations. The allegations raise serious concerns and our role is to ensure patient safety as well as thoroughly investigating the complaints of these three women and it does take some time," said Dr. Heidi Oetter, the college's registrar.
According to Vancouver Coastal Health, Termansen will not be treating any more patients at Lions Gate Hospital. "We are aware of the college's actions. Dr. Termansen has retired. His last day seeing patients is today,' said Anna Marie D'Angelo, senior media relations officer for Vancouver Coastal Health on Monday. "Dr. Termansen has been a long-serving member of the medical staff at Lions Gate Hospital."
According to Oetter, Termansen is still licensed and the investigation will continue.
Attempts to reach Termansen were unsuccessful.
