King Edward Memorial Hospital inquiry - extension of time

20/9/00
Health Minister John Day said today the inquiry into King Edward Memorial Hospital had indicated that additional time was necessary to enable it to adequately complete the tasks it had been given.
In essence, the two main tasks involve: -

• making a comparison between clinical outcomes at KEMH and other similar hospitals elsewhere, and -

• examining particular clinical cases.

Mr Day said that in relation to the comparison with other hospitals, the inquiry had advised that at least another four months would be necessary for the process to be completed.
The inquiry had also advised that the process of examining particular cases would involve a number of steps, including:

• the examination of clinical records by a midwife or clinical nurse specialist and an obstetrician, gynaecologist, neonatologist or anaesthetist;

• formulating the inquiry's hearing procedures;

• reviewing the hospital's written accountabilities, policies and practices;

• reviewing and analysing clinicians' reports where necessary;

• preparing particular cases for hearing, including interviewing witnesses and preparing witness statements where appropriate;

• hearing of cases;

• closing submissions by Counsel Assisting and others; and -

• writing of the report.

Both these procedures will be able to occur concurrently.
Mr Day said other relevant factors were that one of the panel members was unavailable throughout September, and the effect of the Christmas holiday period.
Consequently the inquiry had requested an extension of time to June 29, 2001 to complete the tasks, as it considered necessary.
This request had been agreed to by Cabinet.
Media contact: Carole Cowling 9213 6600