A Dunedin doctor facing murder charges had lied that his mother had died - to keep his job

Venod Skantha's trial continues in the High Court in Dunedin - where he's accused of murdering 16-year-old Amber-Rose Rush.

Today the jury's heard from his boss at Dunedin Hospital - who told them he narrowly avoided being fired by claiming his mother died unexpectedly.

Skantha's mother is still alive.

They also say he showed up while on sick leave once, and attempted to treat a patient after having several beers.

The Otago Daily Times report the patient was concerned about Skantha's erratic behaviour - and says he reattached her saline drip too tightly