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A whistleblower sparked an investigation by a top lawyer into Health New Zealand's medical scanning services.
The agnecy said Michael Heron KC would lead an independent investigation after a protected disclosure about radiology services.
An investigation three years ago found patients had had suffered harm for years from poor radiology tech at Hawke's Bay Hospital, while RNZ reported extensively on the Bay and other districts' struggles with technology and radiology workforce shortages.
"We can confirm that the board has commissioned an independent investigation into issues raised in a protected disclosure in relation to radiology services," board chairperson Dr Levy and deputy board chairperson Dr Andrew Connolly said in a statement.
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 Hawkes Bay.
"He will be...
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