For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Should the HDC continue to perform formal investigations?
Wednesday 22 May 2024, 12:00 AM

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
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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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