The Medical Protection New Zealand podcast

Reducing Risk - Can I safely consent on the day of surgery?

The Medical Protection New Zealand podcast

Show Notes

This episode examines day-of-surgery consent in Aotearoa New Zealand for elective planned surgery, with a focus on recent Health and Disability Commissioner findings highlighting the risks when key information is first provided on the day of an operation.

It explores how timing, environment, and communication standards under the Code must support genuine choice, particularly when surgical plans, techniques, or team roles change.

The episode aims to help clinicians manage these obligations collaboratively while maintaining safe and lawful consent processes.

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