Retired Victoria psychiatrist admits to sexual misconduct

As reported here

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. has severed its ties with a retired Victoria psychiatrist who admitted having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a patient in the 1990s.

The college issued a press release Friday stating Dr. Hugh McRae Bacon “has admitted that he was guilty of infamous conduct.” The admission emerged from an internal college investigation that was triggered last summer when a female patient of Bacon lodged a complaint about his conduct.

The woman alleged that Dr. Bacon “engaged in sexual touching and sexual intercourse” with her in his office.

The press release said Dr. Bacon “denied the allegations of sexual intercourse but admitted the sexual touching. Specifically, he admitted that he had the patient sit on his lap in his office and sexually touch and fondle him.”

The admissions prompted the college to revoke Dr. Bacon’s status as a retired life member of the college. It also banned him from reapplying for registration with the college or applying to practise medicine in any other jurisdiction.

College registrar Morris VanAndel said there is no police investigation into Dr. Bacon’s misconduct and that the disciplinary action was warranted whether the sexual acts were consensual or not.

“From the college’s point of view when it comes to sexual relations between doctors and patients, the presence or absence of consent is immaterial.”

Dr. Bacon has not practised medicine since his retirement in 1998.