Nurse’s registration cancelled after findings of mental disability and failure to appeal

The High Court confirmed the decision of a statutory regulatory body to cancel the registration of a psychiatric nurse following findings that the nurse suffered from a relevant medical disability, specifically a paranoid psychosis or personality disorder, which impaired his ability to practise safely. Although the nurse contested the process and expert evidence, he did not appeal within the allotted period, citing factors including ill health, financial constraints, and disappointment with legal assistance. The court found no procedural impropriety or breach of natural or constitutional justice in the investigation or the statutory body's decision, concluding that the cancellation was necessary, appropriate, and proportionate considering the uncontroverted evidence and ongoing lack of insight or engagement by the nurse. The sanction was upheld as reasonable and legally required.