A Northland man was not informed of his cancer diagnosis for four months due to inadequate Health NZ practices, according to the Health and Disability Commission.
Initially presenting with leg pain in April 2021, the man underwent an MRA scan at Whangārei Hospital, which revealed blockages in his arteries and a suspicious mass on his kidney, indicative of renal cell carcinoma.
Despite the urgent nature of the findings the man was not notified until September when he received a letter for a urology clinic appointment. By this time, his cancer had progressed, necessitating kidney removal and treatment for metastatic cancer.
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Dr. Vanessa Caldwell cited several factors contributing to the delay, including poor communication, lack of a patient-centred approach, and inadequate coordination among clinicians.
The doctor who reviewed the results focused solely on vascular issues, overlooking the cancer finding.
Health NZ says has since implemented changes, including an automated results database and plans for a lead co-ordinating clinician. Caldwell recommended further improvements and a formal apology to the patient, highlighting the need for better processes to prevent such delays in the future.
Image credit: Unsplash+
New Zealand’s scarification and leeches, medical system. Not hard to see why people keep leaving, is it? Not helped either by wasteful political pricks, who fail to spend money where it matters most.
Hope this man is alright.
Done deliberately by the PTB against someone who they targeted?
Check your medical records and files to insure that you haven’t been ‘Green-Sheeted’ (DNR) without your knowledge.
This is part and participle of Project 2025 to with-hold medical care, as well as legal help!
The elderly are especially targeted…