HDC Response - Napier Port Board Member Death Investigation (E26HDC00002)

Health and Disability Commissioner Response - Reference E26HDC00002

Date: January 22, 2026

From: HDC Legal (Caroline Taylor, Legal Advisor)

REQUEST DETAILS:

• Specific Case - Death of elderly man (~88 years old) at Hawke's Bay Hospital

- Individual was former or current board member of Napier Port

- Collapsed after having a drink, displayed cardiac symptoms

- Concerns about morphine or other drug administration

- Death occurred between 2010 and present

• Drug Administration Deaths - Complaints where drug administration was a factor (2010-2025)

- Morphine, Domperidone, Haloperidol, Droperidol

- Other drugs known to cause cardiac events

• Cardiac Deaths - Unexpected cardiac deaths at Hawke's Bay Hospital (2010-2025)

• Investigation Outcomes - HDC findings, Code breaches, recommendations

RESPONSE:

• Information withheld under s9(2)(a) OIA and s53(b) Privacy Act to protect privacy
• Aspects refused under s18(f) - substantial collation required
• May seek review from Ombudsman or Privacy Commissioner