David

CLARK

MP for Dunedin North

Associate Health Spokesperson

24 February 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT

IT failure plunges Dunedin Hospital into chaos

An IT systems collapse at Dunedin Hospital that has put patients’ lives at risk for more than 12 hours is symptomatic of cost-cutting across the health sector, Dunedin North MP and Labour’s Associate Health spokesperson David Clark says.

“The hospital’s system fell over at 1am and was still was not working at 1pm. It is absolute chaos.

“Patient lives are at risk. Clinical leaders have been unable to access lab results, clinical notes, patient contact details, diaries and operating rosters, let alone communication tools like email.

“Despite the aging IT infrastructure’s short-comings being well known, the hospital has been caught flat-footed.

“While the failure highlights the vulnerability present in retaining aging IT infrastructure, the problem is symptomatic of cost-cutting across the sector.

“Tony Ryall has put so much pressure on DHBs that they are in survival mode.

“Today shows the truth of the adage that if you’re not moving forwards, you’re moving backwards.

“Tragically, this leap backwards will cause great anxiety to ill patients and those looking after them, unable to access critical test results. Important surgery and other medical interventions will be postponed.

“Worse, it may cost lives,” Dr Clark said.

ENDS

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