It’s been a busy couple of weeks on the questions and answers front, and yet it seems we just go around in circles.

Ministry of Health and Medsafe have finally provided answers to the questions asked around the distribution of recall notifications and information for users of these devices.
https://fyi.org.nz/request/26326-correspondence-to-physicians-in-respect-of-the-essure-permanent-iud#incoming-102050

The Minister for Health was asked a question in Parliament recently and appears to have only half answered. Is he seriously not aware that women with Essure have contacted him directly?

https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/order-paper-questions/written-questions/document/WQ_13180_2024/13180-2024-h%C5%ABhana-lyndon-to-the-minister-of-health

Then we have the Health and Disability Commissioner answering questions in a recent select committee hearing.
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1648771375884420&id=674951382

They state they’ve had a couple of complaints, but have no parameters for cause for alarm, seem unaware that Medsafe has received 11 complaints and ACC has received 9 claims for care.

What has become obvious is that all these organisations responsible for health care in New Zealand operate in silos. They do not compare information, not even basic statistical information, never mind pertinent health care information to allow doctors to make educated decisions on patient care when an injury has occurred due to a medical device.

There is no database to collate or monitor the use of medical devices, there are no set parameters for raising concern, there is no sharing of, or checking for critical information among the health bodies, and patient safety is not of paramount concern.

How long is our health industry going to be allowed to operate with patient care being absent from the health system?