Findings of Independent Reviewers Released

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Findings of Independent Reviewers Released

Canterbury District Health Board has received the findings of an external review into the death of Coalgate man Dean Carroll, who died on 14 April 2007, a day after visiting Christchurch Hospital’s Emergency Department.

“We have been reassured to read that there is no evidence of any negligence, on the part of the nursing or medical staff, contributing to the sad and untimely death of this young man,” Christchurch Hospital General Manager Mark Leggett said.

Mr Carroll died of overwhelming sepsis as a result of a spinal epidural abscess.
“This is a very rare condition that is usually identified through signs such as a fever that were not present when he was under the care of Christchurch Hospital’s Emergency Department,” Mr Leggett said.

The reviewers, who were selected in consultation with Mr Carroll’s family, were of the view that Mr Carroll would probably have received similar care in any major Emergency Department in New Zealand and that on the evidence presented, nursing and medical staff did the best they could in offering care to an acceptable standard.

Ten recommendations have been made by the review panel to help improve patient care and flow through Christchurch Hospital’s Emergency Department.

A Press Conference will be held today at 3pm at The Princess Margaret Hospital so that CDHB management and senior clinical staff can answer questions related to the report and outline steps already taken or planned to address the issues raised by the reviewers. Members of Mr Carroll’s family will also be at the conference to answer questions from the media. All media are invited to attend.

ENDS

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