Health Ministry launches internal review of surgical procedures and patient safety protocols

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has begun an internal review of surgical procedures and patient safety protocols following the death of a woman at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH).

Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu confirmed the Ministry is examining the circumstances surrounding the case, including operating theatre procedures, post-surgical checks and patient monitoring systems.

He said the matter was being treated with seriousness and sensitivity, with the review focusing on whether established safeguards were followed and whether improvements were needed to prevent similar incidents.

The review is expected to assess surgical instrument tracking processes, documentation standards and post-operative care procedures. It is also understood that staff directly involved in the surgery form part of the broader assessment now under way.

The woman died at CWMH on Sunday, January 25, after complications arose from a surgical instrument allegedly left inside her body following gynaecological surgery to remove a tumour in June last year.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that a metal bowel guard, used to protect the intestines during surgery, had remained inside her body for months, causing extensive internal damage.

She had initially appeared to recover after the operation but was later readmitted when her condition deteriorated.

While police investigations into the woman’s death are continuing, the Ministry’s review is focused on clinical governance and hospital systems rather than criminal liability.

Dr Lalabalavu said the Ministry would allow both the review and investigation processes to run their course before releasing further details publicly.

He stressed that patient safety remained a priority and said appropriate action would be taken if gaps in procedures or compliance were identified.

Hospital sources said internal reviews of this nature typically involve examining operating theatre records, surgical count protocols and incident reporting systems to determine whether standard practices were followed.

The Ministry has not indicated a timeframe for the completion of the review.