Coroner critical of DHB's treatment of nurse

A coroner has criticised the Hutt District Health Board (HDHB) for its treatment of a nurse who committed suicide after she was told she would no longer be working in the emergency department (ED).

Stephanie Tunnicliffe, 37, committed suicide on August 10 - her birthday - last year, two days after she was informed by way of a courier letter that she would be transferred from the ED to administrative duties.

Ms Tunnicliffe had previously been treated by the ED following two overdoses.

Wellington regional coroner Ian Smith criticised HDHB for its treatment of Ms Tunnicliffe.

He said she should have been transferred to an independent provider after her initial treatment.

He was also critical of the way HDHB told her of her new employment arrangement, saying she should have been told in person, rather than by mail.

HDHB should have told Ms Tunnicliffe's psychologist of her death, rather than let her find out by reading the death notices two days later, Mr Smith said.

If a DHB was faced with a similar situation in future, "strict confidence should be maintained" and an alternative service should provide care, he said.

The DHB should also use "a more considerate method of delivering" an employment decision to people with mental health issues.

- NZPA