A male registered nurse working in Sydney has been found guilty of professional misconduct following sexual interactions with three vulnerable female patients across two hospitals. Suresh Kumar Balasubramaniam, 47, engaged in inappropriate touching, sexually explicit talk, and other boundary violations while treating patients at St John of God Hospital and Northern Beaches Hospital in 2021 and 2022.
Incidents at St John of God Hospital
In December 2021, a 34-year-old patient, identified as Patient A, was admitted to St John of God Hospital for treatment of methamphetamine addiction and alcohol withdrawal. She reported waking up to find Balasubramaniam pressing his penis against her hand. She told the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) that he then questioned her about her past trauma, drug use, and "the dark web, gang affiliations." Balasubramaniam denied these claims during the hearing, suggesting Patient A was mistaken or fabricating evidence, and questioned if her use of DMT could have caused hallucinations. Patient A maintained her account.
During another period between August 29 and September 7, 2022, Balasubramaniam worked with Patient B, a 39-year-old admitted for alcohol detoxification who also suffered from PTSD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Patient B testified that Balasubramaniam discussed another patient's sex addiction, spoke about his desire for 12 children when his wife only wanted two, and mentioned wanting to have sex in hospital bathrooms and gardens. He also asked Patient B if drugs made her feel like having sex and if she had pictures of herself from when she was young and drunk. She reported feeling uncomfortable and unsafe due to the personal nature of his questions. Balasubramaniam reportedly told her not to tell anyone what they discussed, adding, "I trust you." Patient B later complained about his behavior, leading to Balasubramaniam being placed on leave.
Allegations at Northern Beaches Hospital
In August 2023, Balasubramaniam moved to Northern Beaches Hospital, where a third patient, Patient C, was admitted for a mental health condition that left her bedridden and experiencing auditory hallucinations. Patient C reported that Balasubramaniam complimented her physique, touched her backside, and lifted her shirt to expose her bra. She stated that during a conversation in her room on August 22, after she lifted her shirt to show her stomach muscles, Balasubramaniam lifted her shirt further, exposing her bra, and appeared to have a "strange look in his eyes." Later that evening, after she received her mobile phone from him, she screamed at him out of anger. Balasubramaniam was suspended from Northern Beaches Hospital on August 24, 2023.
Tribunal Findings and Aftermath
The New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal found Balasubramaniam guilty of professional misconduct. He represented himself at the hearing, stating he could no longer afford legal representation. Balasubramaniam was suspended in 2023. His wife, Shobana Ganapathy, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, continues to work at St John of God Hospital. Balasubramaniam told the Daily Mail that he still emphatically denied the claims and that he and his family were "financially struggling" since his suspension.
A spokesperson for St John of God Health Care stated that the hospital terminated Balasubramaniam's employment on October 24, 2022, and reported him to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The spokesperson added that the hospital has robust policies and procedures in place to protect patients and has fully cooperated with the HCCC investigation and tribunal proceedings. They expressed sincere apologies for the experiences of the patients in their care.