Dear Health and Disability Commissioner,

Between 2010 and 2020, how many closed file reviews were undertaken at the HDC?

Of these closed file reviews, how many were reviewed by the legal team, and how many were reviewed by a decision-maker (i.e. commissioner or deputy commissioner) who was not involved in the original review and decision.

How many complainants requested a closed file review during these years?

How many complainants during these years expressed that they were not satisfied with the HDC's decision on their complaint and/or that they wanted more information gathered, further investigation, a formal investigation, re-opening of their complaint, or another form of further action to be taken

Of the closed file reviews undertaken, how many resulted in a complaint being re-opened for further information to be obtained, and how many resulted in a different decision being made on that complaint (e.g. no further action decision then changed to formal investigation)?

How does the HDC decide whether or not it is appropriate to refer a complaint to the Medical Council?

How many times between 2010-2020 did the HDC close a complaint with no action or no further action decision and refer the complaint to the Medical Council?

Is it possible for the HDC to refer only part of a complaint to the Medical Council?

How does the HDC ensure that it is clear that only part of a complaint, not the whole of a complaint, is being referred when a referral is made to the Medical Council (or to another regulatory/registration authority such as nursing council, dental council etc)?

Yours faithfully,

Gloria Ashton