MidCentral District Health Board (MidCentral DHB) has unreservedly apologised to a patient’s family for the shortcomings in its communication, documentation and referral processes.
The Health and Disability Commissioner has found MidCentral DHB in breach of its obligations under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer Rights. While the standard of clinical care was not questioned, the DHB’s communication, documentation and referral processes were criticised.
MidCentral DHB instigated its own external independent review and has implemented all recommendations made by the reviewers. These recommendations were accepted in full by the Commissioner, and related to improved communication with general practice, the centralised referral process, the criteria and process for follow-up oesophagectomies, and communication processes in operating theatre for the management of life-threatening events.
An implementation plan was developed in partnership with the patient’s family to ensure all recommendations were fully addressed. Later this year, the DHB will do an audit to ensure the changes made are working effectively.
Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945