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Hospital failings lead to terminal cancer diagnosis after five-year delay

Southern Health news
Stock photo.

Southland Hospital has been found to have breached patient rights after failing to diagnose a man’s lung cancer over five years of scans and X-rays.

The patient, identified as Mr A, underwent nine imaging procedures between 2017 and 2022, but abnormalities were repeatedly overlooked.

His cancer was finally identified in October 2022 when a 6.8cm mass was discovered, by which time it had progressed to stage four and spread to his spine and other organs.

Health NZ Southern admitted its shortcomings and apologised for the significant distress caused, attributing the delay to work pressure and environmental factors.

The Health and Disability Commissioner’s report cited “several missed opportunities” to diagnose the cancer earlier and recommended process improvements, staffing increases, and better training to prevent future failures.

Image credit: Umanoide

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4 COMMENTS

  1. I hope the family are properly compensated although this doesn’t substitute the man’s life.
    There is common ground in this country that has total disregard to the end user. From business to health providers the end user is dealt with arrogance from the provider.

    Where is customer service?
    Customer respect?

  2. Once again, getting away with an apology. There you go New Zealand, this is what “accountability” in government and its instruments, looks like in this country. Heading towards, second world status, assuming we are not already there. But please go on voting for the likes of Labour and National.

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