Move to fix hospital 'systems failures'

BELINDA FEEK | 23rd December 2006

A CENTRAL entry point for all surgery referrals has been introduced at Wanganui Hospital in wake of a "systems error" being discovered last month.

And an audit has already identified a number of systems failures within the hospital's administration area and across the organisation.

It was discovered late last month about 633 gastroscopy, colonoscopy, urology, oncology, and neurology referrals and appointments from October 2003 to October 26 this year had not been processed correctly.

After an investigation it was found 393 were affected by the error.

In Thursday's Hospital Advisory Committee Meeting report it said as a result of the error the Ministry of Health licensing section conducted a certification audit.

Verbal feedback confirmed there had been a system error.

A formal written audit report is expected from the ministry.

However, to prevent and minimise a similar system error from taking place a central entry point for all referrals was introduced two weeks ago. Other systems and processes within the central patient administration area and organisation-wide will be reviewed and further improved.

The person responsible for the error resigned shortly after the incident.