Should the HDC continue to perform formal investigations?

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Opinion

Should the HDC continue to perform formal investigations?

22 May 2024

Ben Gray

Wednesday 22 May 2024, 12:00 AM

Complaints Laptop CR Pakin Jarerndee on iStock

Complaints to the Health and Disability Commissioner are increasing, sitting at 36 per cent above pre-COVID levels [Image: Pakin Jarerndee on iStock]

The office of the Health and Disability Commissioner closed more than 6000 complaints last year, but is it best placed to assess quality, safety and accountability? Ben Gray takes a look

The main role of the office of the Health and Disability Commissioner is resolution of complaints. In 2022/23 it closed 6028 complaints. Complaints

Health Quality & Safety Commission

Quality

References

Health and Disability Commissioner. Health and Disability Commissioner Annual Report 2022-23 Auckland New Zealand 2023 [Available from: https://www.hdc.org.nz/media/wzpdch0g/hdc-annual-report-2023.pdf
The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights, Stat. SR 1996/78 (1996)
Health Practitioner's Competence Assurance Act, (New Zealand Government 2003)
Example cases: 20HDC01927, 20HDC00717, 20HDC01892 22HDC00652
Bismark MM, Brennan TA, Paterson RJ, Davis PB, Studdert DM. Relationship between complaints and quality of care in New Zealand: a descriptive analysis of complainants and non-complainants following adverse events. Quality & Safety in Health Care 2006;15(1):17-22
22HDC010144, 21HDC02281
20HDC00038, 20 HDC00726
21 HDC01574
Health Practitioner's Competence Assurance Act, (New Zealand Government 2003), Sect 3(1),(2)(a)
22HDC00652, 21HDC00619 and 20HDC00717

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How to Treat

+How to treat

COPD: Prevent, treat and comfort

Respiratory physician Lutz Beckert considers chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management, including the prevention of COPD, the importance of smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation, and the lifesaving potential of addressing treatable traits. He also discusses the logic of inhaler therapy, moving from single therapy to dual and triple therapy when indicated, as well as other aspects of management

Wednesday 26 March 2025, 12:50 AM