An island-based consultant psychiatrist denies misconduct over claims he had an inappropriate relationship with a patient.

Dr Timothy Byrne, clinical director of mental health services at Noble’s Hospital, has been appearing before a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service hearing in Manchester.

He is accused of having an affair with a patient which ended in June 2013.

The tribunal heard that the patient, who had suffered childhood abuse, was referred to Dr Byrne in 2003 after suffering depression following the birth of her son.

In 2007 he began giving her psychiatric treatment.

It is alleged that at all material times, the patient was vulnerable as a result of her mental health. The consultant is also accused of giving her gifts.

But Dr Byrne, who is married and lives in Ramsey, insists his relationship with the patient was ’appropriate and professional’ at all times .

He claimed the woman had kissed him during one of their meetings but he failed to record it in his medical notes.

A spokesman for the DHSC said: ’We are aware of this case, currently being considered by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.

’As this is ongoing it would be inappropriate for any further comment to be made at this time.’