They would not confirm if the findings would be made public.
“Relevant Health NZ staff are being interviewed as part of the process. We can’t comment further while this confidential investigation is underway.”
The senior doctors’ union, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS), said several doctors and nurses in Hawke’s Bay had been invited to talk to Heron and it was offering them support.
The Protected Disclosures law gave protection against retaliation.
In a note to members that RNZ had seen, the ASMS said, “You may be aware that Michael Heron KC is conducting an investigation, at the request of Health New Zealand’s Board, following a protected disclosure concerning radiology services in Hawke’s Bay.
“He will be visiting Hawke’s Bay Hospital later this month.”
Association executive director Sarah Dalton said, “We know that there is an inquiry underway as a result of a protected disclosure.
“And we understand in the terms of reference is an undertaking from [HNZ chair] Lester Levy that the inquiry will be made public but that hasn’t happened.
“A number of clinicians – doctors and nurses – have been invited to talk to Heron. We are offering advice and support.”
Heron was a former Solicitor-General and had led government inquiries into misuse of Census data, and judicial behaviour, and culture reviews, such as for the Law Society.
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