Scott Parker: Exercise physiologist issued ban after investigation into patient relationship

An exercise physiologist who engaged in a sexual relationship with a patient he began treating at a major NSW hospital has been to have engaged in a serious breach of trust.

Scott Parker was investigated over a patient relationship.

An exercise physiologist has been handed a one-year ban from working in the industry after the state’s healthcare watchdog found he engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a patient.

Scott Parker was handed the order by NSW Health Care Complaints Commission on Monday following an investigation into a relationship he had with an 18-year-old patient he treated at Shellharbour Private Hospital.

The investigation found Mr Parker – who was aged 30 at the time – breached the health practitioners code of conduct by engaging in a consensual sexual relationship with the patient over a nine month period between 2020 and 2021.

The HCCC – in its decision to issue the one-year ban – said the relationship was a “serious boundary breach” and a “breach of trust”.

The investigation heard Mr Parker arranged meetings outside the hospital at his home up to three times during the course of the relationship.

Mr Parker worked at Shellharbour Private Hospital. Picture: Google Maps

Mr Parker allegedly told the patient that their relationship would have to be kept a secret and that “no one could find out or (he) would lose (his) career”.

The patient told the HCCC investigation she did not fully understand the power dynamic and only now realised that she was a “vulnerable patient” who was “taken advantage of”.

Exercise physiologist Scott Parker.

During the relationship, Mr Parker sent multiple text messages to the patient including a message in 2020 expressing he was worried about losing his job as what they were doing was “not legal”.

The investigation heard during the relationship, work colleagues of Mr Parker saw him and the patient together in public having sushi and questioned them about the nature of the meeting.

The HCCC stated that Mr Parker had a discussion with his supervisor at the hospital and said the patient was “having trouble and I went out to take her mind off some things”.

He allegedly asked the patient to corroborate his version of events if needed. Mr Parker ended the relationship in early 2021.

Mr Parker has worked for a range of organisations including the University of Wollongong

Mr Parker – in his submission to the HCCC – stated he did not comprehend the seriousness of breaking professional boundaries, the effect it could have had on a patient’s trust towards their therapist, and ultimately the impact on the reputation of exercise physiologists.

He stated he was now seeking psychology treatment and has enrolled in courses relating to ethical obligations as a health care professional.

The HCCC – in issuing the ban – stated Mr Parker failed to provide health services in a “safe and ethical manner”.

“The commission finds that Mr Parker continued to pursue the patient for sexual activity despite being aware of the seriousness and inappropriate nature of the boundary breach,” the HCCC decision states.

“The commission has determined Mr Parker’s conduct poses a risk to public health and safety and that protective orders are required in order to protect the public.”

Mr Parker will be banned from providing any health services in any capacity for a minimum of one year. Following that time, Mr Parker may apply to the commission to change the order or apply for it to be lifted.

Mr Parker – who is now aged 32 – has worked for a range of leading organisations including as an associate lecturer at the University of Wollongong.

During his employment at Shellharbour Private Hospital, Mr Parker was promoted to a managerial position and was responsible for managing 12 staff.