Psychologist threatens to sedate his wife rather than send her to a mental hospital

This is sure to cause a controversy

A psychologist plans to sedate his wife rather than send her back to a mental health unit where he says she was abused and mistreated.

Nigel Reece says Julianne, 39, has twice been assaulted by another patient, verbally abused by staff and has suffered medication errors while being treated for suicidal behaviour at Maroondah Hospital's west ward.

The registered psychologist also said his wife -- who is profoundly deaf and suffers severe depression -- had a drug overdose after escaping from the hospital.

Eastern Health has internally investigated the claims but said there was no evidence of any wrongdoing by its staff.

But Mr Reece said he would now treat his wife himself if bouts of suicidal behaviour occurred, even if the ethical dilemma jeopardised his 30-year career.

"My wife's life comes first and I will sedate her to the point where she can't harm herself if it is necessary," he said.

"I am not prepared to put her life at risk on the basis that I may get in serious trouble with the psychology board.

"I have good support from a GP and a private psychologist and we've also managed to get the medication sorted out and stabilised, and she is going very well."

Eastern Health adult mental health program manager Ben Kelly said clinicians, patients' advocates and management found nothing wrong with Ms Reece's treatment.

"The hospital has found no evidence of inappropriate care or treatment as claimed, and we believe these to be unfounded and unable to be substantiated," he said.

"The hospital takes the concerns raised regarding the care and treatment of our patients very seriously."

While he acknowledged it was inappropriate for a psychologist to treat a partner, Mr Reece said he would not hesitate to act if his wife became suicidal.

"There is a clinical argument that I am managing her medication at home as a carer, which is perfectly correct," Mr Reece said.

Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria president Kaye Frankcom said psychologists were not allowed to administer sedatives, and if Mr Reece was doing so as a carer he should have the guidance of a GP or psychiatrist.

"I think it is important that as a carer, whether he is psychologically trained or otherwise, the medication regime is decided upon by professionals who are not emotionally involved," she said.

"You are mixing two relationships . . . you are not able to view their needs objectively and separate from your own."