Full Breakdown
Censure of Midwife Jaydeen Beaumont for Prescription Misconduct
4/14/2026, 8:44:20 PM
Overview of the Incident
Jaydeen Beaumont, a registered midwife from Christchurch, has been censured by the New Zealand Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal for professional misconduct involving the falsification of prescriptions. Between March 7, 2022, and July 24, 2024, Beaumont used the registration details of a colleague without consent to obtain over-the-counter medications, including diclofenac, mefenamic acid (Ponstan), and paracetamol, for her personal use. The tribunal determined that these medications, while not addictive, were obtained through deceitful means, which constituted a breach of trust.
Background and Context
Beaumont, who graduated in 2013, has held various roles in midwifery, including lead maternity carer and lecturer. The tribunal noted that during the time of her misconduct, Beaumont faced significant personal challenges, including physical pain and difficulties accessing healthcare. These circumstances contributed to her decision to self-medicate, as she perceived the costs of over-the-counter medications to be high and believed her condition did not warrant emergency services.
Official Statements & Responses
Susan Hughes, chairwoman of the tribunal, emphasized that the purpose of the disciplinary proceedings was not punitive but aimed at rehabilitation. She stated, “It is in the public interest for the practitioner to be rehabilitated to ensure she continues in midwifery.” The tribunal acknowledged Beaumont's cooperation with the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC), which helped avoid a full hearing. Beaumont was required to apologize formally to the colleague whose registration details she misused.
Criticism & Opposition
The PCC highlighted aggravating factors, including the extent of Beaumont's misconduct and the breach of trust involved in her actions. They argued that her deceit led to inaccuracies in pharmacological and medical records, which they described as "plainly amounts to dishonesty." Despite these concerns, the tribunal ultimately decided that suspension would be disproportionate and unnecessary.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is in the public interest for the practitioner to be rehabilitated to ensure she continues in midwifery, and she is well supported in the profession and her personal life,” — Susan Hughes, KC, Chairwoman of the Tribunal
- “threw her a lifeline” — Susan Hughes, KC, Chairwoman of the Tribunal
What's Next
The tribunal has encouraged Beaumont to leverage her experience positively in her teaching role, advocating for the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and seeking help when needed. Beaumont's request for permanent name suppression was denied, as her employers were already aware of the charges and her efforts to remediate her situation.
In summary, while Beaumont's actions were deemed a serious breach of professional conduct, the tribunal's focus on rehabilitation reflects a broader commitment to supporting practitioners in overcoming personal challenges while maintaining professional standards.
