NZ News

Health NZ faulted over man’s death after two visits to Middlemore Hospital

Published

4 months ago

July 14, 2026

The partner of a man who died after routine knee surgery said he “deserved better”, and so did others who depended on the health system for their safety and wellbeing.

In her complaint to the Health and Disability Commissioner, the woman said her partner’s death at age 40 – after a straightforward procedure to repair a torn ligament – should lead to genuine learning and improvement, and not be dismissed as “inevitable”.

“It is vital that accountability is established and that meaningful changes are implemented to ensure no other family endures the same preventable loss,” the unnamed woman said.

In a decision released this week, five years after the complaint was lodged, Health and Disability Commissioner Morag McDowell expressed her sincerest sympathies to the man’s family and friends for their loss in tragic and unexpected circumstances.

In November 2018, the man had knee surgery at a private hospital to repair a torn meniscus (fibrocartilage found in the knee joint).

A month later he died, after he turned up twice at Auckland’s Middlemore Hospital with increased leg pain and “purpling” of the limb.

The man’s partner said despite the routine nature of the surgery, there was a “systemic failure” within the health system to identify, assess, and appropriately manage the significant risk factors which led to a pulmonary embolism (PE) caused by a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which ultimately placed him in grave danger.

A coroner later confirmed this was the cause of the man’s death.

McDowall said, in finding fault in the hospital’s handling of the matter, it could not be said with any degree of certainty that the clinical pathway and ultimate outcome would have been any different had the patient received a more senior review at a point in the process.

“Tragically, [Mr B] suffered a recognised but low probability fatal complication,” she said.

Findings arrive five years after complaint

The complaint about the care provided to the man at Middlemore Hospital (Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau) landed with the HDC in July 2021.

After the man’s surgery, he was discharged days later but developed “pain and tenderness” in his right calf when standing.

He was referred for an ultrasound, which identified an extensive DVT – a blood clot which forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs.

He was referred to Middlemore Hospital, prescribed two blood-thinning medications and discharged.

He returned the next day to the hospital’s Emergency Department after ongoing pain and discolouration in his right calf.

The HDC noted, however, there were inconsistencies in the clinical records about which leg was affected.

‘Mild purplish hue’

Upon arrival at ED, a senior emergency medicine specialist did an initial assessment, documented the man’s history of knee surgery, the diagnosis of DVT, and his previous visit to hospital.

She also noted the man commented he was becoming more immobile and his leg pain meant he could not put weight on it.

In the shower, he noticed his entire leg was purple, but he did not have any shortness of breath or chest pain.

He was admitted to the general medicine ward and reviewed by a junior doctor, working under the broader supervision of a senior medical officer and under the direct supervision of a registrar.

The junior doctor conducted a physical examination and documented that the patient’s observations were stable, that his leg was tender along the posterior length of the calf, and that he was “unable to fully weight bear” due to calf pain and throbbing when his leg was not elevated.

The doctor also noted that when the man was standing, he developed a “mild purplish hue” in his leg from mid-thigh down.

His clinical impression was “extensive lower limb DVT” with symptoms where the blood flow in the man’s lower legs had slowed or stagnated.

In a later statement to the coroner, the junior doctor said that after assessing the man, he discussed his care with two medical registrars and told them he considered that the man was on the appropriate medical therapy for DVT.

McDowall said the junior doctor claimed the registrars agreed with his clinical assessment, but there was no documentation of those discussions.

A departmental adverse event review found the junior doctor had discussed the man’s care with two registrars, one of whom considered he could have been clearer in his own communication with the junior doctor.

The man was subsequently discharged and sent home with pain relief medication, instructions to continue with the DVT treatment and information about PE symptoms.

He collapsed at home the next day, and went into cardiac arrest while in the ambulance headed to Middlemore.

Despite resuscitation efforts en route, he later died.

A CT scan showed he had experienced a subarachnoid haemorrhage – a type of stroke, but the coroner confirmed his death was the result of the PE, secondary to DVT.

Health NZ’s Adverse Event Review found that the care provided to the man was of an appropriate standard overall, but the junior doctor should not have discharged him without being seen by a registrar.

Second presentation focus of HDC investigation

McDowall said the key issue for the HDC’s investigation related to the man’s second presentation to Middlemore Hospital on December 15, 2018, and whether he was provided services of an appropriate standard and skill.

She noted the process for obtaining senior oversight did not occur as it should have, and was also concerned that important conversations between the

junior doctor and registrars were not documented.

McDowall said the failings should be attributed to the provider, rather than the individuals concerned and therefore found Health NZ in breach of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights for failing to provide services to the man with reasonable care and skill.

Health NZ had since made several changes to address the concerns identified.

Source: NZ Herald & RNZ

Latest News

Police say person who fired gun at officers still at large

Published

2 days ago

November 12, 2026

News Staff

Police say a person who fired a gun at officers in Napier is still at large.

Eastern District Commander Superintendent Joel Lamb said Police tried to stop a vehicle in the Pirimai Area at about 10pm on Tuesday.

He said someone in the back seat pointed what was presumed to be a firearm at officers pursuing the vehicle.

“Staff have then heard two distinct gunshots as the firearm was discharged.

“Fortunately, neither of our officers were injured, and the patrol vehicle did not sustain any damage.”

He said hours later, the vehicle was seen travelling north on the Waikato Expressway towards Auckland.

Police seized the vehicle at an address in Manurewa, but they had not found the alleged offender.

Lamb said people who lived at the Manurewa address were engaging with Police.

He said Eastern District and Counties Manukau Police were making enquiries.

“Presenting a firearm at a Police officer is a serious escalation that puts our staff and the wider community at risk. This behaviour is entirely unacceptable.

“We are taking this incident extremely seriously and will be pursuing all lines of enquiry to locate the offender and hold them accountable.”

Police asked anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Police on 105 or online using the reference number 261111/3764.

Information could also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

rnz

Latest News

New Zealand sides named for RLWC finals

Published

3 days ago

November 11, 2026

News Staff

The players tasked with ending Australia’s Rugby League World Cup dominance have been named.

The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns have announced their squads for this Sunday’s World Cup finals in Brisbane.

Both sides are chasing their first titles since 2008, and both are looking to end their opponents run of three crowns in a row.

“Our Kiwi Ferns have been so dominant in years gone by, and we want to bring dominance back to this jersey, so I think it will be a case of who wants it more,” said co-captain Georgia Hale of the impending clash.

The Kiwis get a major boost for the final as they welcome back Ronaldo Mulitalo after he served a one-match ban for a high tackle against Fiji Bati.

Mulitalo replaces Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who moves to the six-man bench, which again includes utility Te Maire Martin, middle forwards Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark and Xavier Willison plus fullback Keano Kini.

Loose forward Joseph Tapine will make his 30th Test appearance in a familiar pack again, including second-rowers Isaiah Papali’i and Briton Nikora, and props James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota.

Winger Jamayne Isaako is on the cusp of claiming the New Zealand record for most Test points.

His five goals against Tonga lifted his career points tally to 225 – level with Shaun Johnson – while centre Casey McLean goes into the final with 16 tries in just eight Tests.

Fisher-Harris will again captain the team.

Fullback Ponga said the goal of the group was clear.

“We have high expectations around what we want to achieve, and obviously winning a world Cup is one of them.”

Meanwhile, Ricky Henry has selected a settled side to take on the Jillaroos, led by their lethal centre combination of Stacey Waaka and Mele Hufanga.

Veteran Apii Nicholls takes the number one jersey, Leianne Tufuga and Mackenzie Wiki on the wings.

Henry has stuck with his halves pairing of Chantay Kiria-Ratu and Raecene McGregor with Alexis Tauaneai, Georgia Hale and Otesa Pule up front.

Rounding out the starting pack is Shaniece Monschau, Kaiyah Atai, and Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa.

“We have been building well throughout the tournament; we understand the Jillaroos side, and will give it our all to make New Zealand proud this weekend,” said Henry.

RLWC Finals:

Kiwi Ferns vs Jillaroos- 6.10pm

Kiwis vs Kangaroos – 9.35pm

Sunday November 15

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Live blog updates on RNZ

Kiwi Ferns:

1. Apii Nicholls 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Stacey Waaka 5. Mackenzie Wiki 6. Chantay Kiria-Ratu 7. Raecene McGregor 8. Alexis Tauaneai 9. Georgia Hale 10. Otesa Pule 11. Shaniece Monschau 12. Kaiyah Atai 13. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa.

Interchange: 14. Ashleigh Quinlan 15. Annessa Biddle 16. Shannon Mato 17. Ivana Lauitiiti.

Reserves: 18. Brooke Anderson 19. Zahara Temara 20. Brianna Clark 21. Abigail Roache 22. Tenika Willison.

Kiwis:

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Moses Leota, 11. Isaiah Papali’i, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Joseph Tapine (v/c).

Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Erin Clark, 17. Xavier Willison.

Reserves: 18. Keano Kini, 19. Phoenix Crossland, 20. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 21. Scott Sorensen, 22. Leo Thompson.

rnz

Latest News

Opportunities to mitigate multi-million-dollar RNZ budget blowout likely missed – experts

Published

4 days ago

November 10, 2026

News Staff

Multiple opportunities to identify and mitigate a multi-million-dollar budget blowout at RNZ appear have been missed, according to the former executive director at Audit New Zealand.

The public broadcaster on Monday revealed a near $12 million shock financial loss after a litany of financial blunders, which will now lead to sweeping job cuts.

The $11.8m loss is more than 25 times the $470,000 RNZ had expected to lose over the year to June.

CEO Paul Thompson took responsibility for the result, and said internal reports gave an inaccurate picture of the finances, meaning the scale of the loss only became clear in October.

RNZ’s former chief financial officer Hilary Parker resigned unexpectedly in early October.

The board said it would commission an independent review into what went wrong.

Independent contractor Stephen Walker, who left the Audit Office earlier this year, said the size of the loss was surprising, as was the length of time it took to identify it – months after the financial year ended.

“Probably more of a concern is that they had seemingly been unaware that they were running up a significant deficit until they were in the preparation stage of their annual report in October.”

Walker said public entities typically produced monthly financial reports.

An interim audit also took place before the end of the financial year, he said, but if the organisation hadn’t identified significant losses at that stage, the auditor could also be in the dark.

“It seems that there’s a real weakness in forecasting and budgeting that’s occurred here and that the monthly accounts, when they’re produced, either haven’t identified these significant variances against budget or the magnitude of them really hasn’t come to light until right towards the end of the financial year,” Walker said.

“And really at that point, there’s no opportunity for the chief executive, the leadership team to take, and the board to take, any corrective action because the year has effectively been completed.”

Walker said the “significant miss” was difficult to account for given it was more than 10 percent of RNZ’s total funding.

He said based on RNZ’s annual report, financial complexity didn’t appear to be a factor.

“This $11.8m loss isn’t made up of one particular item … it seems to have been contributed to by a number of separate expense lines running over budget. So I don’t think it’s necessarily to do with complexity.”

Among the errors, RNZ wrongly counted $2m from land sales as income in its budget. Staff costs also came in $3.2m over budget, including $1.4m in redundancy payments.

Professor at Auckland University’s business school Norman Wong said based on media reports the issues identified were “significant and troubling”.

“But recognising the sale of land as income in their budget is a basic error that one would have expected to have been caught and corrected well before it got to this point.”

With funding reductions at RNZ over the past two years, Walker expected greater scrutiny of financial results.

“Virtually every public entity has had their annual budget reduced. And so you would expect … the leadership team on a monthly basis and board – I’m not sure how frequently the board will consider the information – but you would expect them to be interrogating the results on a regular basis throughout the year,” he said.

Walker said initiating an independent review was the correct course of action and that he’d want to understand what information the leadership team and the board were regularly receiving.

He said he’d “love to say” surprising financial results were rare, but conceded they occured on a semi-frequent basis during his time leading the Audit Office.

“The benefit of independent scrutiny by the Audit Office – and the auditors providing that support to the Auditor General – [is] that the reporting is fairly presented at the end of the year, whether it’s good, bad or ugly.”

rnz