Opioid safety issues identified at Counties Manukau hospital

A woman who suffered a hypoxic brain injury due to an opioid overdose during her hospital stay is reported to have “no quality of life,” according to her brother. The 46-year-old was admitted to a public hospital in Counties Manukau, Auckland, in March 2021 for stomach pain, but received excessive opioids, leading to permanent memory dysfunction. Her brother has formally complained about the care she received. The case was addressed in a report by Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Dr. Vanessa Caldwell.

Want More Context? 🔎