The verdict relates to five patients under his care.

“Some of the misconduct related to a failure to record various matters in the hospital notes,” the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal findings read.

“Significantly, we found that the respondent had not acted appropriately whilst one of his patients was giving birth, and in his failure to arrange for a young patient to be transferred to an acute hospital facility in a timely fashion.”

Dr Simonson said it had been a traumatic time for him.

“I am very disappointed in the decision but can’t make any further comments because we are looking at our further options,” he said.

It is believed that Dr Simonson is considering an appeal against the decision by the Tribunal and is likely to point to a lack of rural experience in the panel that made the judgement against him.

Dr Simonson received considerable support from local doctors, paramedics and nursing staff in the area who provided letters of reference to the Tribunal.

He has been a high profile activist for the retention of maternity and then, more recently emergency services, at Pambula Hospital. 

The suspension will take effect at the end of this month. After the three months, Dr Simonson will not be able to work in any hospital in any capacity, and will have to obtain Medical Council of NSW approval before changing the nature or place of his practice.

He will have to submit to an audit of his medical practice by a person or persons nominated by the Medical Council of NSW in six months.

The case has attracted the interest of professional medical bodies across the country. The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine said it is reviewing the case.