Media Release

23 June 2009

Hamilton clinic under investigation

The Ministry of Health is investigating some concerns relating to the qualifications and training of a staff member who may have been involved in giving vaccinations, taking cervical smears and inserting IUDs at The Family Clinic in Vercoe Road, Hamilton from October 2007.

These concerns relate to possible breaches of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (an Act put in place to ensure health practitioners are competent and fit to practice).

Because the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to comment further at this point.

In the meantime, the Waikato District Health Board has set up a free confidential answerphone line 0800 100 178 for patients to call if they have questions or concerns about tests or treatment they received at The Family Clinic.

At the end of this investigation the Ministry of Health will be able to determine whether this staff member acted appropriately.

The investigation will not determine what, if any, harm may have been caused to patients as individuals will make their own decisions about whether or not they want to have their immunisation, smear test or IUD checked.

ENDS

For further information, please contact Michelle Quirke, Senior Advisor, Ministry of Health, Ph: 04 816 4399 or 027 286 7055.