Ex-nurse pretended to be a doctor

LORRAINE Smith says she couldn't help telling people she was a doctor.

The 55-year-old former nurse from western NSW once told Ten Network news reader Ron Wilson she was Lorraine Brooke-Smith, the head of surgery at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital.

On another occasion, a court heard yesterday, she told an acquaintance she was a cardiologist and urged him to change his heart medicine -- a potentially fatal suggestion he wisely ignored.

But in 2003 her lies caught up with her and, after pleading guilty to 27 counts of impersonating a medical practitioner, was placed on a good behaviour bond.

In Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court yesterday she faced another sentencing hearing on a further charge of impersonating a doctor, this time related to her claims of being a retired medico.

The court heard that in 2004 she told foster agency Life Without Barriers that she was retired Royal North Shore trauma doctor Lorrie Smith.

On the basis of her medical experience she was granted the care of a child who suffered up to 17 epileptic seizures a day.

Gerard Craddock, for the NSW Medical Board, which brought the charges, said Ms Smith should be sentenced for the offences for which she had already received a bond.

Amanda Coultas-Roberts, for Ms Smith, said her client suffered from a personality disorder.

One psychiatric report suggested Ms Smith gained a feeling of confidence and wellbeing from masquerading as a doctor.

Ms Smith will be sentenced at a later date.

By David King

Article from www.theaustralian.news.com.au