Latest from Health and Disability Commissioner

Pharmacist who heckled Ardern struck off after denouncing Govt's Covid response

The pharmacist heckled the former PM at a press conference, leading to it being shut down.

'Intelligent option': Ex-IHC board member suggests unhappy residents move

Shelley Payne wrote a scathing open letter defending IHC/IDEA Services, slating Whaikaha.

'Very concerning': Man seeking time-critical HIV meds turned away from ED

He was questioned loudly about his sex life in front of others, and referred to his GP.

Three Kiwi women with 'invisible illness' die in three months

Change 'urgently needed' to help those with it EDS 'lead the lives that they deserve'.

Baby showing signs of foetal distress died after life support was turned off

The baby wasn't growing properly but the midwife didn't recognise the risks.

Unvaxed doctor criticised for giving out fake Covid-19 vaccine exemptions

The doctor gave out almost 300 medical certificates regarding the Covid-19 vaccine.

Ongoing resistance to cervical screening and HPV vaccinations

"If somebody has a bad experience, then they’re unlikely to return.”

Man dies of cardiac event hours after being discharged from cancer clinic

The man, in his 40s, was in his first cycle of chemo when he became acutely unwell.

NHI number blunder: Woman had unnecessary colonoscopy meant for someone else

The woman was told the procedure was a mix-up after her sedation had worn off.

Man who waited 12 weeks for urgent colonoscopy given terminal prognosis over the phone

The man, in his 70s, was distressed at not receiving the devastating news in person.

'Stretched beyond their limits': How worried should we be about medical mishaps?

When doctors make mistakes, the consequences can be grave.

Nurse claimed Covid vaccine changes DNA so people are not '100 per cent human'

She has now been suspended for spreading Covid-19 misinformation.

Death of disabled woman who choked on leftovers was preventable

WorkSafe investigated the death but decided not to prosecute.

Can hair loss clinic owner call himself ‘Dr Raj’ if he’s not NZ registered medical doctor?

His website included a reference to Dr Raj being a third-generation doctor.

'Traumatic': Pregnant woman in excruciating pain, baby needed resuscitation at birth

Midwives were criticised for their care of the woman whose baby had to be resuscitated.

'Drug-seeking': Patient accused by GP after breasts examined without consent

GP threw shade on patient's mental health and said she was 'doctor-shopping' for drugs.

'Not acceptable' - Dr Shane Reti’s 19 unauthorised ED visits caused political storm at Health NZ

Emails reveal depths of political storm after National MP's ambulance ride-alongs.

Woman with dementia sent home from hospital despite warnings

Alzheimer's patient couldn't tell staff what day it was, but they sent her home - twice.