Auckland DHB
Chief Executive’s Office
Level 1
Building 37
Auckland City Hospital
PO Box 92189
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142
Ph: (09) 630-9943 ext: 22342
Email:
[email address]
19 October 2021
Michael Vaughan
By email to [FYI request #16802 email]
Dear Michael
Re
Official Information Request - Covid-19 Treatment Protocol questions
I refer to your official information request dated 19 September 2021 for information about Covid-19
Treatment Protocols transferred to us by the Ministry of Health 30 September:
1) What is the Covid-19 treatment protocol for hospitalised cases?
2) Are some DHB's fol owing different treatment protocols from others?
3) Are DHB's free to make decisions about treatments for individuals with Covid-19?
4) To what extent are patients able to participate in decision-making about their
treatment programmes?
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?
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?
Response
1) What is the Covid-19 treatment protocol for hospitalised cases?
See attachments 1-8 which contain the guidelines in use at ADHB
2) Are some DHB's fol owing different treatment protocols from others?
ADHB can not answer this question for other DHBs. Our treatment guidelines are attached.
3) Are DHB's free to make decisions about treatments for individuals with Covid-19?
ADHB can not answer this question for other DHBs. Our treatment guidelines are attached. They
have been developed in col aboration with the Ministry of Health and a range of clinicians.
4) To what extent are patients able to participate in decision-making about their treatment
programmes?
See attachment 9.
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?
Welcome Haere Mai | Respect Manaaki | Together Tūhono | Aim High Angamua
adhb.health.nz
Al patients are provided care consistent with Right 4, Code of Health and Disability Consumers’
Rights:
Right 4
Right to services of an appropriate standard
(1) Every consumer has the right to have services provided with reasonable care and skil .
(2) Every consumer has the right to have services provided that comply with legal,
professional, ethical, and other relevant standards.
(3) Every consumer has the right to have services provided in a manner consistent with his or
her needs.
(4) Every consumer has the right to have services provided in a manner that minimises the
potential harm to, and optimises the quality of life of, that consumer.
(5) Every consumer has the right to co-operation among providers to ensure quality and
continuity of services.
The standard process is that the patient and health provider discuss options for treatment that
are consistent with Right 4. Where a patient requests a test or treatment that request or
treatment will be assessed relative to Right 4 obligations.
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?
See answer to point 5. If the treatment is covered by Right 4 and is not provided a patient may
complain to the Health and Disability Commissioner or might seek a direction from a Court.
I trust this information answers your questions.
You are entitled to seek a review of the response by the Ombudsman under section 28(3) of the
Official Information Act. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Please note that this response, or an edited version of this response, may be published on the
Auckland DHB website.
Yours faithful y
Ailsa Claire, OBE
Chief Executive
Encl.
1. COVID-19 Clinical Management Inpatients
2. Managing COVID-19 in Adults
3. Guidance for use of Non-Invasive Ventilation in the Adult Emergency Department
4. COVID-19 Risk Screen Assessment Tool Patient Sheet
5. Process for Confirming COVID-19 Status Following a Swab
6. COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Bed Placement
7. CED Transferring to Starship Wards
8. COVID-19 Mental Health Community Acute Pathways Guidelines (ACOS CAMHS Older Adult and Adult)
9. Auckland DHB Informed Consent Policy
Welcome Haere Mai | Respect Manaaki | Together Tūhono | Aim High Angamua
adhb.health.nz