Printed from https://fyi.org.nz/request/policy_on_requests_from_third_pa_6 on April 25, 2024 23:27

Policy on requests from third party providers of pathology specimens for second opinion

Amy S Van Wey Lovatt (Account suspended) made this Official Information request to Hawke's Bay District Health Board

The request was successful.

From: Amy S Van Wey Lovatt (Account suspended)

Dear DHB,

I am a New Zealand citizen, which is demonstrated by the fact that the MoH has already confirmed my citizenship prior to responding to my OIA requests (or a google search of my name).

The Royal College of Pathologists Australasia has a policy titled "Provision of second opinions with particular reference to morphological examination", which addresses the best practice with regards to referral for second and subsequent opinion of pathology specimens.

Request 1:
I respectfully request your DHB's policy on second opinions requested by a third party who is a medical practitioner currently involved in the medical care of the patient from whom the pathological material was originally obtained.

Request 2:
In the event that your DHB deviates from the aforementioned RCPA policy, I request an explanation for why your DHB deviates from best practice.

Please note, my request does not reflect the standard of care provided at your DHB, but is to ascertain whether there is consistent adherence to RCPA best practice amongst all NZ DHBs.

Yours faithfully,

Amy S Van Wey Lovatt

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From: Official Information Act
Hawke's Bay District Health Board

Dear Amy

Due to Hawke's Bay DHB's focus in providing critical care in response to the COVID-19 crisis it is necessary to extend the time required for your information request.

In accordance with section 15A of the Official Information Act, as the information cannot reasonably be provided by the necessary people without unreasonably interfering with our operations, and/or the consultations necessary to make a decision on your request, a response cannot be provided within the original timeframe. As such, we expect that a decision will be made on your request and communicated to you by 30 June 2020.

If we are able to respond to your request earlier we will do so. If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of an further extension of that timeframe.

If any additional factors come to light which are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that these can be taken into account.

Regards
Chris Lord
Communications Service, Content and Publications Advisor
Hawke's Bay District Health Board
E: [email address]

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From: Amy S Van Wey Lovatt (Account suspended)

Dear Official Information Act,

I appreciate that HBDHB chose a response date that would accommodate the worst case scenario, regarding Covid-19. However, now that NZ has allegedly beat Covid-19, I trust that there will no longer be a delay in your response.

I would be very pleased with a one liner that says, "HBDHB has adopted the RCPA policy." That is assuming the statement is accurate.

In the event that HBDHB has not adopted the RCPA policy and does not have their own formal policy, then I would like to modify my request to use "standard practice", written or unwritten and to ask for a description of the "standard practice".

In the event that HBDHB contracts out their pathology services, then I respectfully request that HBDHB transfer my request to the appropriate agency, pursuant to section 14 of the OIA.

Yours sincerely,

Amy S Van Wey Lovatt

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From: Official Information Act
Hawke's Bay District Health Board

Good afternoon Amy

Yes, I can confirm HBDHB follow the RCPA policy.

Âku mihi nui ki a koe.
Nâku, nâ
Chris
Chris Lord
Content and Publications Advisor, Communications Team
Phone: 06 878 8109 ext 4658
[mobile number]
Please note my usual hours of work are: Monday, Tuesday 8:00am – 12 noon; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Hawke's Bay District Health Board
W: www.hawkesbay.health.nz   www.ourhealthhb.nz

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From: Amy S Van Wey Lovatt (Account suspended)

Dear Official Information Act,

Thank you very much for your brief response. Excellent!

Yours sincerely,

Amy S Van Wey Lovatt

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Things to do with this request

Anyone:
Hawke's Bay District Health Board only: