Parry inquiry delivers report

7.30pm

A Parliamentary select committee inquiry into Whangarei surgeon Graham Parry proposes bolstering recently introduced health legislation.

Mr Parry was struck off the medical register, but later partially reinstated, and found guilty of disgraceful conduct after he failed to diagnose Bay of Islands woman Colleen Poutsma, who died of cervical cancer last April.

The Cull report was initiated after it was revealed he had multiple complaints lodged against him with the Medical Council, Health and Disability Commissioner and ACC.

A Health select committee inquiry into his case had looked like being an unexpected casualty of the decision to call an early general election.

It was reignited by the incoming Health select committee, chaired by Labour MP Steve Chadwick, which today released its report.

It recommended the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Bill be used to improve complaints investigation committee processes.

MPs started debating that legislation last week.

The bill covers the registration, competence, complaints and disciplinary processes for all health practitioners registered under the legislation, including osteopaths.

It sets up a "one stop shop" for health service complaints.

Among other inquiry recommendations were:

* that the Health and Disability Commissioner co-ordinate access to an independent practitioner so that patients with on-going problems receive clarification, explanation and ... onward referral for expert medical treatment;

* that information continue to be shared between the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), Health and Disability Commissioner and the Medical Council;

* that ACC claims be fast-tracked so they become independent of the individual healthcare providers;

* the effectiveness of healthcare advocates be increased;

* early identification of adverse events be a major focus of District Health Boards; and that

* the Health Ministry establish a set of clinical indicators that will help benchmark the effectiveness of health care.

The inquiry was begun after numerous complaints to medical authorities about Mr Parry's care.

It focused on concerns of patients of the obstetrician-gynaecologist, looking at whether there was a pattern to the complaints, as well as quality assurance processes.

The committee had heard all the evidence in the inquiry and was due to release its report on the inquiry when Parliament dissolved in mid-June.

While inquiries referred to a select committee by the Government are usually automatically carried over to a new Parliament, inquiries started by select committees, such as the one involving Mr Parry, are not.

The committee decided to continue the inquiry with the same terms of reference.

- NZPA

Full report of the Health Committee of Parliament:

Inquiry into the adverse effects on women as a result of treatment by Dr Graham Parry