Coroner’s findings questioned by GP College

A recent ruling and findings made public from the coroner’s office creates a number of concerns, according to the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College). The case in question related to the tragic death of a woman after weight loss surgery.

College President Dr Luke Bradford says, “We are very concerned with the coroner’s finding for this case, and how it has been portrayed in the media.”

“The public naming of the GP involved, along with the coroner’s finding stating the GP was the “weakness in the chain of events” is unacceptable especially when there were other factors at play that led to this sad outcome.

“The College has reached out to the GP involved to offer our support and we will be investigating the case before writing a response to the coroner requesting further information and explanation.

This case highlights the ongoing systemic issues with the electronic notes systems that have been well-documented and span across the medical workforce.

The College will highlight this case to members, as we do with many other rulings from the coroner, allowing for reflection and ongoing learning.

“Our condolences go out to the whānau of the deceased at this very sad time,” says Dr Bradford.