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Health Commissioner Rules Anaesthetist Breached Code, Hid Sevoflurane

5/4/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Health & Disability Commissioner ruled the anaesthetist breached the Health Consumers’ Code by not informing the patient about sevoflurane.
The patient, with a family history of malignant hyperthermia, asked for propofol but received sevoflurane after the IV line obstructed.
Commissioner Morag McDowell said the anaesthetist’s notes omitted the reason for using sevoflurane and the IV blockage.

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Story summary

The Health & Disability Commissioner ruled the anaesthetist breached the Health Consumers’ Code by not informing the patient about sevoflurane.
The patient, with a family history of malignant hyperthermia, asked for propofol but received sevoflurane after the IV line obstructed.
Commissioner Morag McDowell said the anaesthetist’s notes omitted the reason for using sevoflurane and the IV blockage.