tvnz.co.nz Nov 19, 2005
An Auckland nurse has been found guilty of professional misconduct following the death of a patient at a Putaruru rest home two years ago.
The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal says Naomi Dale failed to provide adequate care to the man who had a number of conditions including Parkinson's disease and diabetes. Ms Dale was the sole registered nurse at the home and its manager.
The tribunal found she did not adequately monitor the patient's changing blood glucose levels and failed to train other caregivers to attend to his medical needs. She also failed to arrange for an ambulance to be called in a timely manner when he fell ill.
Due to her unblemished record, Ms Dale has not been struck off the nurses' register but is required to practice under the supervision of an approved registered nurse.