A patient died after an ultrasound machine malfunctioned and it took time to find another one, the Southern District Health Board’s 2015-16 serious adverse events report reveals. There were 61 adverse events in total, 74% more than in the previous year. "On calling for and getting the ultrasound machine in order to establish the exact position of the airway, the ultrasound machine did not function appropriately, and so time was lost while another machine was provided." The DHBs report adverse events to the Health Quality and Safety Commission, which co-ordinated the release of the 20 reports. Nelson Marlborough DHB was the other board with a cluster of harm among eye patients; it reported 11 adverse events in ophthalmology.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 10, 2016 17:03 UTC