New Plymouth Nurse Suspended for Controversial Covid Vaccine Claims

A registered nurse from New Plymouth, Suzanne Carrol Smith, has been suspended for three months after making controversial statements at anti-vaccination rallies regarding the Covid-19 vaccine. The Nursing Council of New Zealand announced the decision following a ruling by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, which found Smith’s comments likely to discredit the nursing profession.

The disciplinary action stems from Smith’s remarks made during two events in November 2021, shortly after she lost her position with the Taranaki District Health Board for refusing to receive the vaccine. At the first rally on November 16, 2021, outside the New Plymouth District Council building, she introduced herself as a nurse educator and claimed, “I can tell you categorically that it’s gonna make our people die, it’s gonna make them sterile.”

Misleading Statements and Professional Conduct

Smith’s comments included misinformation about the Covid-19 situation in India and a call to persuade the 40% of the population who were undecided about vaccinations. The tribunal’s report indicated that she “communicated information and/or misinformation for the purpose of discouraging vaccination against Covid-19 and/or undermining the Government’s response to the global Covid pandemic.”

During the hearings, Smith expressed the stress she experienced as a nurse during the pandemic, noting her commitment to supporting colleagues working extended hours. She cited her research into the Pfizer vaccine as a source of her concerns. Despite acknowledging some validity in her perspective as a nurse educator, she maintained that her statements did not undermine governmental efforts against the pandemic.

The tribunal deemed her statements as provocative and scaremongering, emphasizing that she leveraged her professional authority to influence public opinion against vaccination. It highlighted her intention to sway the undecided population, leading to the conclusion that her conduct warranted a disciplinary sanction.

Consequences and Future Requirements

As part of her suspension, Smith has been censured and ordered to pay costs associated with the disciplinary process. Should she wish to return to practice, she must complete an educational course focused on professional boundaries and the influence of power in healthcare settings within six months, at her own expense.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges within the healthcare sector related to vaccine misinformation and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals to uphold public trust. Smith’s suspension reflects the nursing community’s commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability in the face of misinformation.