Private Bag 911, Timaru
New Zealand
Telephone 03 687 2100
Facsimile 03 688 0238
18 October 2021
Michael Vaughan
By email:
[FYI request #16802 email]
Dear Michael,
Re:
Official Information Act Request
I refer to your Official Information Act request received on 20 September 2021 in which you specifically
requested the fol owing:
1. What is the Covid-19 treatment protocol for hospitalised cases?
SCDHB’s response: The MOH have published a treatment protocol for COVID-19
patients. This can be found at:
https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/interim_guidance_-
_clinical_management_of_covid-19_in_hospitalised_adults_2.pdf
2. Are some DHB's fol owing different treatment protocols from others?
SCDHB’s response: We are unable to comment on what other DHB protocols are,
therefore you request is refused under section 18(g) of the Official Information Act 1982
(the Act) as the information requested is not held by the SCDHB and there are no
grounds for believing it is held by another agency subject to the Act.
3. Are DHB's free to make decisions about treatments for individuals with Covid-19?
SCDHB’s response: It is not envisaged that the MOH would case manage the treatment
of each patient with COVID-19.
4. To what extent are patients able to participate in decision-making about their
treatment programmes?
SCDHB’s response: As with the provision of al care, SCDHB encourages active patient
participation in the creation of their care plans.
5. If a patient requests a blood test for Vitamin D and/or the administration of high
dosage Vitamin C, are hospital staff able to provide these?
SCDHB’s response: This would be considered on a case by case basis.
6. Do hospital staff have the right to refuse a patient's request and, if so, is there a
process for a patient to appeal the decision?
SCDHB’s response: This would follow standard protocols and we would work with the
patient as much as possible. There are processes for patients to question clinician
decision-making.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review of our decision by the Ombudsman. The
Ombudsman's Office can be contacted on 0800 802 602 or on-line at
http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
Kind regards
Brenna Shaw
SLT Administrator
South Canterbury DHB