Te Whatu Ora, St John and WorkSafe have launched investigations into the death of an 83-year-old woman after she was allegedly dropped from her stretcher at Whangārei Hospital.
The NZ Herald reports the elderly woman had been treated at the hospital and was in the process of being discharged to return home to her retirement village.
The tragic alleged incident unfolded on May 12 at the ambulance bay at Whangārei Hospital and has prompted multiple agencies to investigate.
Despite several questions by Newshub to St John, WorkSafe and Te Whatu Ora - all agencies would not be drawn on detailing what occurred.
Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokera interim lead hospital and specialist services Tracey Schiebli extended their "deepest condolences" to the woman's family "for the tragic loss of their relative".
Schiebli said Te Whatu Ora is treating the incident "seriously" and confirmed it is investigating "the circumstance to establish what happened and how".
"As this investigation is underway, as well as to respect and maintain patient confidentiality, we are not able to comment further."
NZ Herald reports the woman was being wheeled on a stretcher in the ambulance loading dock when she was dropped.
It's reported, on top of the fall, the woman fell another metre from a ledge in the loading dock and landed face first. The Herald reports the stretcher then landed on her back.
The 83-year-old was re-admitted to hospital and later died.
Hato Hone St John general manager of ambulance operations Debra Larsen confirmed to Newshub an investigation is underway, and confirmed it occurred in the ambulance bay at Whangārei Hospital on May 12.
"We are working with all parties involved."
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed the case is being investigated by the Coroner. WorkSafe also confirmed its enquiries are "ongoing".
The woman's son shared a tribute to his mother on Facebook, days after her death.
The man said his mother was a "mentor and good sort".
"83 was a good innings, but tragically taken whilst on her way back to the home unexpectedly," he said.
"Will always remember fishing at Muriwai, on our boat at Whangārei Heads and Tutukaka, holidays at kingfish lodge, long bay Russell and Ngunguru and the great family home at Tutukaka."
The woman's son said he will miss her fish and chips, fruit cake and vegetable soup.
"At peace now in dad's company playing 500," he said.
"My biggest critic, and go-to smoked fish taster gone but never forgotten."
After the fatal incident, the Herald reports bollards were installed on the hospital's loading dock and a guard rail was also being installed.
