Doctors Destroy Sex And Drug Details In Files (Press, 11 February 1975)

On 10 February 1975, it was reported that numerous government and private medical files, which contained sensitive information about sex and drug-related cases, had been destroyed by medical professionals in Hamilton. This action stemmed from concerns following a police raid on the Remuera abortion clinic. Medical sources revealed that fears about potential interventions by police or government investigators had prompted some doctors and researchers to adopt special coding systems to protect patient identities. The apprehension surrounding the security of confidential files has allegedly led to some patients being more hesitant to seek assistance for issues related to drugs or sexual problems. In the previous September, police had seized approximately 400 medical files from the Auckland Medical Aid Centre; however, these files were returned after a ruling by the Court of Appeal deemed the search warrant invalid. Despite this, detectives are continuing their investigations using photocopies of those files. Medical sources from Hamilton indicated that in one case, sensitive information from over 40 medical files kept in a government office had been destroyed due to fears that it might end up in the wrong hands. Some of this information was deemed to be particularly incriminating. A psychologist mentioned that they had burned numerous files to safeguard sensitive material, including details about patient issues like homosexuality, noting that some patients are well-known figures in the community. Dr William Temple, the chairman of the Advancement of Behaviour Therapy Association in Hamilton, highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the confidentiality of medical files. He noted that there is a prevailing sense of caution among association members, many of whom are now uncertain about the status of their records. As a result, he expressed a preference for destroying files once they have served their purpose rather than keeping them. Dr G. C. R. Hay, the national president of the Medical Association of New Zealand, underscored the importance of maintaining absolute confidentiality between doctors and patients. Prior to the police raid on the Remuera clinic, he had raised the issue of confidentiality with the government, emphasising that it is critical for effective communication. He stated that patients must trust that the information they share will remain confidential, as this trust is essential for medical professionals to obtain necessary information pertaining to their patients' health.

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