A 51-year-old woman who died in Wellington Hospital's emergency department after experiencing heart problems was subjected to unacceptable delays, an inquiry into her care has found.
Health and Disability Commissioner Anthony Hill says in a report published this afternoon that the Capital and Coast District Health Board, which runs the hospital, breached the code of patients' rights. He also criticises health workers but does not single out any as having breached the code.
He said there were unacceptable delays in the woman's treatment and the DHB failed to meet its duty to provide a safe healthcare environment for her.
"The woman was not monitored adequately by nursing staff while she was in the ED, there were delays in her being assessed by the medical registrar, and the medical registrar's reaction to concerning changes in the woman's condition was inadequate," Mr Hill said.
The woman was taken to the ED by ambulance in mid-2012 suffering shortness of breath.