Argument that a doctor continuing to practice after being found guilty of sexual misconduct, is a patient safety issue

Nearly 40 doctors in five years have been censured by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal for actions ranging from poor record keeping to sexual abuse.

In some cases they're given a suspension.

Auckland Women's Health Council's Sue Claridge says the bar needs to be higher for doctors than for many other professions.

She says in cases where there's misconduct or sexual misconduct involving patients, the doctor shouldn't be allowed to practice again.