Mishaps kept to a minimum

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) has welcomed the new sentinel and serious events report, which painted a healthy picture of the country's hospitals.

The report, issued by the Quality Improvement Committee, showed that New Zealand hospitals compare well with those overseas, in terms of mishaps.

District Health Boards reported 182 sentinel and serious events, including 40 deaths.

NZMA Chairman Dr Peter Foley called for more support for healthcare staff, to keep mishaps to a minimum.