Sydney nurse suspended over 'predatory' fling with mental health patient

A Sydney nurse gave a false name and disguised his voice to dupe co-workers as he entered into a "predatory and grossly inappropriate" relationship with a patient.

Gordon William Blair was handed a two-year suspension of his health licence this week after having a fling in 2018, while working at Cumberland Hospital in Sydney's west.

The senior nurse "fantasised" about embarking on a relationship with the woman, who had a history of bipolar and schizophrenia and was involuntarily admitted to the facility's mental health unit in mid-March of that year.

They began to gravitate to one another, with the patient jumping on his lap in the lounge area before he pushed her aside.

Mr Blair, a registered nurse since 1992, was redeployed to another unit within the hospital over the incident.

But the mental health worker continued to see the woman, bringing her toiletries, KFC and soft drink for which he said she thanked him with a hug.

He also accessed her medical records and allegedly disclosed the contents to her.