Kia ora Health NZ Team,

I trust this message finds you in good health. I'm reaching out today to inquire about a unique subject matter that's caught my interest, under the Official Information Act 1982.

Rumour has it that there was once an arrangement between Auckland Metro Hospitals and Auckland Zoo, for patients who were too large for the usual hospital CT scanners. This unique and creative solution for patient care is fascinating and I'd like to delve a little deeper into it.

Could you kindly assist me in understanding:

1. The specifics surrounding the Auckland Zoo arrangement, including:
1a. The dates that marked the beginning and conclusion of this arrangement.
1b. The number of patients who benefited from this arrangement during its tenure.
1c. The kind of health and safety protocols that were implemented to safeguard patient well-being and privacy during these scans at the zoo.
1d. Any policy changes, official reviews, or discussion records leading up to the discontinuation of this arrangement, assuming it is no longer active.

2. I'm also keen to learn about the current procedures that are in place for patients who are too large for standard hospital CT scanners:
2a. The specifics of these current procedures, including any partnerships or collaborations in place.
2b. The number of patients who have been accommodated via these alternative procedures since the discontinuation of the zoo arrangement.
2c. The health and safety protocols, ethical considerations, and privacy measures in place for these alternative solutions.
2d. Any challenges encountered in these current procedures and steps taken to mitigate them.

3. Lastly, if there are any discussions or plans to introduce new or improved procedures to accommodate such patients in the future, I'd love to learn about them.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I eagerly look forward to your informative response to better understand these patient care procedures.

Warm Regards,
Gabby Anderson

Dear Health New Zealand,

Today marks 21 working days from the original OIA request.
Can I please get an update?

Yours sincerely,

Gabby Anderson

Kia ora Health New Zealand Team,

I greatly appreciate your prompt response to my information request. I found the details you provided both insightful and informative.

I would like to clarify one aspect of your response, however. When providing the information, did you take into account the details from all the Auckland Metro Hospitals - namely Northshore, Waitakere, and Middlemore Hospitals? Or were the details provided only from Auckland Hospital?

Understanding this would ensure I have a comprehensive picture of the matter at hand.

Thank you once again for your time and assistance.

Yours faithfully,
Gabby Anderson