Latest fromHealth and Disability Commissioner
Severed thumb on ice for hours
A man who severed part of his thumb in machinery had to wait eight hours for a hand specialist, who then told him it was too late to reattach it.
Hospital investigated for ketamine
Dunedin Hospital is under investigation over the use of drugs in medical research without proper...
The silent battle: Mum fights to ensure a future
Abuse, neglect, disability care: words no one wants to see together. In 2006 a flurry of stories about appalling care sparked a Government inquiry. Despite steps to fix the problem, it's happening again.
Oral health certificate recommended before teeth whitening
People should get an oral health certificate from their dentist or dental specialist before getting their teeth whitened, the Health and Disability Commissioner says.
Woman dies after 35-day wait for cancer surgery
A woman with ovarian cancer, whose case was deemed "urgent", waited more than a month for surgery.
No apology for breast cancer victim
A Bay of Plenty woman who said her doctor failed to diagnose her breast cancer has died. Caro Galloway said she was repeatedly persuaded against having a lump removed. The incident is the subject of a Health and Disability complaint.
Social worker ordered to pay patient $100k
A social worker, who took about $55,000 worth of cash and gifts from a mentally ill patient, has been ordered to pay her $100,000 in damages.
Health groups slammed over locking up of alcoholic
A watchdog has slammed three organisations over the locking up of a alcoholic, 43, in a resthome for more than a year without proper legal authority.
Woman dies after failed diagnosis
A grieving husband wants answers on how his wife died from meningococcal disease, despite repeatedly seeking medical help.
Mentally ill killer's outings safe - Coleman
The Associate Health Minister says he is confident it is safe for a schizophrenic man who beat a friend to death to be out unescorted in public, despite the victim's brother's pleas.
Mentally ill killer released on leave
A schizophrenic man who beat a friend to death after being released from psychiatric care - despite telling staff he wanted to kill someone - is allowed back into the community without supervision.
$100,000 penalty for surgeon over death of bypass patient
A surgeon who has been the subject of several complaints about failing to properly inform patients has been ordered to pay more than $100,000 in fines and costs after the death of a patient.