Dear Ministry of Health,

I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act 1982 concerning the policies and regulations that govern the treatment and administration of prescribed medications, including medical cannabis, within hospital settings. My recent experiences during medical treatment at both Hawke's Bay Hospital and Wellington Hospital have highlighted several issues regarding these policies, specifically relating to the use of medical cannabis.

1. Requirement to Administer Medicine Outdoors and Smoke-Free Regulations:
Although I am not a smoker and understand that hospitals adhere to smoke-free regulations without designated smoking areas, I was required to administer my prescribed medical cannabis outdoors during my recovery in Wellington. This requirement, seemingly in contradiction to smoke-free regulations that explicitly exclude medical cannabis, forced me to leave the hospital premises, exposing me to low temperatures and nearby security risks during a police incident involving a machete and firearm (https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/35026439...). I seek clarification on the legal basis for this policy, which appears to breach patient rights.

2. Confiscation and Differential Treatment of Controlled Drugs:
Upon my arrival at Wellington, my prescribed medical cannabis was confiscated, cited as standard procedure for controlled substances. Yet, fentanyl, another controlled substance, was administered to another patient within hospital premises without the need for them to go outside. This discrepancy raises significant concerns about potential double standards in the handling of controlled drugs.

I seek clarification on the legality of this confiscation. Please provide a copy of this policy in full for my review so I can better understand how my medication was handled when outside of my possession.

3. Fire Safety Claims and Evacuation Policies:
At Hawke's Bay Hospital, the head of security warned that using my medical cannabis vaporiser inside could trigger smoke alarms and necessitate an evacuation, thus I was compelled to use it outside of hospital grounds. I request detailed information on the fire safety regulations and specific evacuation policies that support this claim.

4. Breach of Duty of Care:
As a patient officially admitted to the hospital, it is concerning that the hospital's policies required me to leave the premises to use my legally prescribed medication, potentially compromising my safety and recovery. This practice seems to neglect the hospital's duty of care to its patients, especially those recently out of surgery and in a vulnerable state. I seek explanations on how these policies align with the hospital's responsibilities towards patient safety and care.

Given these points, I respectfully request the following information:

The specific Ministry of Health regulations or policies that require patients to administer certain medications, such as medical cannabis, outside hospital premises, especially considering the exemptions in smoke-free regulations.

Details on the standard procedures for the confiscation and administration of controlled drugs, with specific emphasis on the distinctions between medications such as medical cannabis and fentanyl.

Clarifications regarding fire safety regulations and evacuation policies related to the use of vaporisers and other similar devices within hospital settings.

All training material provided to healthcare staff in regards to Medical Cannabis.

Clarity on these matters is crucial for my understanding and to ensure that all patients receive equitable and safe treatment while under hospital care. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt response within the statutory 20 working days as provided under the Official Information Act.

Thank you for your assistance.

Yours faithfully,

Anthony-John van Duuren