Dilnoor Kang, a former registered nurse at the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, is being investigated on serious misconduct charges. The underlying misconduct in the case was an inappropriate sexual relationship with a patient. This unorthodox arrangement continued for three years. Ultimately it attracted the attention of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), which ruled against her in the end. The tribunal found that Kang exploited her unique professional position. She adopted it to create an environment for a friendship that soon turned into a love affair.
In May 2021, Kang and the patient participated in an escape room experience in Canberra. This fun day trip was only two days after his hospital discharge. Their relationship only grew from there, resulting in thousands of messages exchanged between them from 2022 to 2023. The situation took a troubling turn when Kang admitted herself to the hospital in December 2022 due to “acute psychosis.” By having an individual conversation with the patient during this admission, she undermined the patient-provider dynamic, potentially damaging their relationship.
Tribunal Findings and Professional Misconduct
Yet the NCAT found overwhelming proof of wrongdoing in the course of its investigation. Testimonies and documents revealed abysmal treatment of Kang’s patient and their relationship. These incidents took place during her time employed at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. The tribunal found that Kang’s conduct constituted severe infringement of professional responsibility. Their ruling determined that she had abused her discretion as a medical professional to develop an intimate relationship with a vulnerable person.
Kang originally told authorities that the patient was her boyfriend. She said they had been dating for six months. This claim opened the door to understanding the dynamics of their relationship and what ethical lines were crossed. In finding a violation, the tribunal echoed society’s expectation that medical environments must maintain professional integrity, particularly when it comes to safeguarding patient welfare.
Consequences of Misconduct
After the tribunal’s decision, Kang suffered as much—as she should have, she was told—for her offensive actions. In late 2023, the Murrumbidgee Local Health District sacked her, following a finding of professional misconduct. Later, Kang’s nursing registration was voluntarily surrendered in 2024, closing the door on her promising career in healthcare. The tribunal ordered a two-year disqualification period. During this period, she is barred from being able to work again as a registered nurse.
