Download the pdf version of this decision. - Health and Disability ...

Health and Disability Commissioner
policy was adequate and that flexibility in theatre was appropriate, what happened to Miss C
highlights the need for staff who receive patients into the ward after surgery to check the
drip set-up to ensure it meets the requirements for the ward setting.
Actions
• I will refer this matter to the Director of Proceedings to decide whether any further
action should be taken.
• A copy of this opinion will be sent to the Medical Council of New Zealand and the
Nursing Council of New Zealand.
• A copy of this opinion with identifying features removed will be sent to the Royal
Australasian College of Anaesthetists and the New Zealand Private Hospitals
Association, and placed on the Health and Disability Commissioner’s website,
www.hdc.org.nz, for educational purposes.
Addendum
The Director of Proceedings laid before the Nursing Council of New Zealand a charge
against Nurses I, K, and M alleging professional misconduct. The charge was upheld against
Nurses I and K and it imposed a penalty of censure and a fine of $2,640, being 35% of the
costs and expenses of and incidental to the inquiry. The charge against Nurse M was
deemed a serious oversight but the Council considered it did not reach the threshold for
professional misconduct.
32 18 June 2002
Names have been removed to protect privacy. Identifying letters are assigned in alphabetical order and
bear no relationship to the person’s actual name.