A mother is still awaiting an explanation from the Southern District Health Board after her son's hospital visit in January delayed crucial treatment on his brain.
Alex Cottier (21) and his mother Vanessa are seeking a critical review from the board after staff at Lakes District Hospital in Queenstown dismissed Alex as a drunk, when he in fact suffered an arteriovenous malformation, causing a brain bleed and collapse.
The review, begun more than six weeks ago, was due to be finished two weeks ago, but Mrs Cottier said yesterday she still had not heard from the board.
"Nothing moves quickly - it's bureaucracy. I realise things take time. I'm not surprised. It goes hand-in-hand with the medical profession."
The pair had met two members of the board, Adam McCrae and Ian McLean, and had both been pleased with the content of the meetings.
She had received a verbal apology from Mr McLean about the way her son's condition had been handled, but was told the review would probably not address all her concerns.
Chief Medical Officer David Tulloch said they were still reviewing Mr Cottier's case and the DHB had been keeping both him and his mother informed on things such as the time it took to attend to her son and send him to Southland Hospital.
