WA Police charge Perth cyclist after public appeal

A Perth senior psychiatrist has been suspended for 18 months and will have to be mentored on her return to work after striking up an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable patient.

Dr Anne O’Sullivan, a consultant psychiatrist at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and clinical lead for the Emergency Psychiatry department, was hauled before the Medical Board after it came to light she was allowing the patient to stay at her home, met with her socially, assisted her with taking care of her horses, bought her a car and communicated with her via text message and social media.

The patient suffered from various health issues including complex post-traumatic stress disorder, unstable personality disorder, major depressive disorder, anorexia, and self-harm.

Two years ago, the patient presented the respondent with a photo board titled ‘I love you mum’ which comprised photos of the patient with O’Sullivan.

The patient also got a tattoo on her arm dedicated to the doctor.

Last week O’Sullivan was suspended by the Medical Board and was ordered to pay the respondent’s legal costs.