People are being warned not to accept medical services from a man who says he is a doctor but is unregistered.
The Hawke's Bay District Health Board said they had been informed Christopher Savage was telling people he was a doctor and offering medical services to people in the Napier area. However, Mr Savage is not registered with the New Zealand Medical Council.
The district health board has referred the matter to police and the Ministry of Health but in the meantime is urging the public not to follow any medical or treatment advice Mr Savage offers.
Medical Council of New Zealand websites state doctors must be registered and hold a current practising certificate to practise medicine in New Zealand. It is illegal to practise here without one. A practising certificate confirms doctors are competent, fit and authorised to practise medicine within the scope of practice and conditions given on the certificate.