Auckland Hospital sisters face Health NZ bullying probe and work restrictions

A complaint lodged by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists in April accused senior Auckland Hospital doctors Bodhi and Samadhi Wimalasena of bullying and fostering an unhealthy work climate for seven senior medical officers. Health New Zealand acted by restricting Bodhi’s participation in grand rounds and other hospital events, while Samadhi was placed on paid discretionary leave and barred from the emergency department.

Both sisters sought urgent interim orders from the Employment Relations Authority to halt the external investigation, but the authority granted only Bodhi’s request to attend grand rounds and denied Samadhi’s reinstatement. The authority stressed that the probe was essential to recommend steps for a constructive environment and to repair working relationships. The doctors claim the investigation could damage their reputations and cause further psychological harm, while Health New Zealand maintains the process is necessary for staff safety.