A delayed diagnosis of a baby in the breech position who died was among 12 incidents listed as serious adverse events in Tauranga and Whakatane from the past year.
Figures were released yesterday as part of the annual serious sentinel event report from the Health Quality and Safety Commission. The Bay of Plenty District Health Board (BOPDHB) recorded 12 incidents in 2012/13, two more than in 2011/12. The baby's death was the only one not involving a fall.
In response to questions about the death, a District Health Board spokesman told the Bay of Plenty Times: "The event has been thoroughly investigated but out of respect for the privacy of the family, which the BOPDHB is working with, there will not be any further comment at this time."
Chief executive officer Phil Cammish said reporting serious adverse events was an important step in improving health outcomes for patients.
"The reporting of serious adverse events is not about apportioning blame, it is about learning from incidents that happen in order to prevent a recurrence, where possible," he said.