By ANGELA GREGORY
KAIKOHE - A Northland family who went to the media about their dispute over an elderly relative's right to be artificially fed have apologised to the geriatrician involved.
Dr Tus Fernando was accused by the family of suggesting that Kaikohe kuia (elder) Nancy Witehira be "left to starve" because he did not believe she required a gastrostomy.
Mrs Witehira, aged 81, had difficulty swallowing after a series of strokes, and the operation would have allowed her to be fed through a tube into her stomach.
Her doctor later wrote to Dr Fernando, who agreed to review the case.
Northland Health also offered a second opinion.
Before Mrs Witehira took up either of the options, the family highlighted her plight to the news media.
They believed the operation was the only means to keep her alive, and took issue with Dr Fernando for recommending that she be left to "die with dignity."
The family and Northland Health said jointly yesterday that "any issues surrounding any miscommunications" between them were now resolved.
A spokesman for Northland Health, Luke Worth, said there had been an unfortunate misunderstanding.
However, he believed that everyone had acted in Mrs Witehira's best interest.
Mr Worth said the Health and Disability Commissioner's office had made an initial investigation into the complaint abut Dr Fernando's conduct, and found no reason to continue with a more in-depth inquiry.
A family spokesman, Te Aupouri Whautere-Witehira, passed on an apology to Dr Fernando on behalf of the whanau.
Both parties said they had no more to say on the matter.
A week ago, they had also refused to confirm a statement released by the Minister of Maori Affairs, Dover Samuels, saying Dr Fernando had apologised to the family.
Mr Samuels said the doctor had apologised for any miscommunication that caused them to believe he was being culturally insensitive.
Family apologises for 'left-to-starve' claim
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.