A committee that oversees assisted deaths did not function between November and June because it was short of members. A backlog of 200 death reports built up and a new committee is now working double-time to catch up. It comes as former members of the committee raise concerns about the lack of oversight for the Assisted Dying Service.
At least 200 assisted dying reports in New Zealand were not reviewed because an oversight committee was out of action for more than six months. Two members of the three-person End of Life Review Committee were not reappointed when their terms ended last October. Dr Jane Greville and Dr Dana Wensley, who have raised concerns about the level of oversight of assisted deaths, said their departures led to an extended period when doctors’ reports on assisted deaths were not being considered.
The Ministry of Health confirmed to the Herald that after their terms ended, the review committee was unable to meet between November and July. The committee needed three members for a quorum and was waiting for new members to be appointed..