Vanessa Caldwell
Vanessa Caldwell is the Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner in New Zealand, known for her role in investigating health care complaints and ensuring the rights of patients are upheld. In her recent report, she highlighted significant failures in the care of a patient, Mr A, whose cancer diagnosis was delayed due to missed abnormalities in medical imaging, leading to critical health consequences.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell said in her opinion the findings of the review highlighted the 'systemic deficiencies' that led to the failures in the man's care.
Health NZ faulted over Gisborne Hospital patient’s post-surgery death
New Zealand· 2026-07-13
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell noted that a patient’s 'informed consent' could only be given if the person made an 'informed choice'.
Surgeon breached patient rights over donor tissue ankle surgery, HDC findsNew Zealand· 2026-07-06
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell accepted the expert adviser’s evidence.
HDC breaches orthopaedic surgeon after woman’s leg left up to 3cm longer after hip surgeryNew Zealand· 2026-06-22
Deputy Health & Disability Commissioner Dr Vanessa Caldwell said in a decision released today.
Pharmacy error found by HDC: Endometriosis patient given antidepressant, left seriously illNew Zealand· 2026-01-20Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Dr Vanessa Caldwell said in a decision released today that the doctor had breached the code of rights.
Doctor told by HDC to apologise to woman’s family after missed bowel cancer diagnosisNew Zealand· 2025-11-10
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell said that Dr B's surgical technique was inadequate.
Health and Disability Commissioner: Woman ends up in wheelchair after surgery goes wrong at Hawke’s Bay HospitalNew Zealand· 2025-09-01
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell said the doctor breached part of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights.
Patient claims surgeon upsold unnecessary surgery, nostril collapsedNew Zealand· 2025-08-11
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell said in her findings that deficiencies in the care provided by Health New Zealand contributed to the delay in the man’s diagnosis.
HDC: Missed opportunities in diagnosis linked to middle-aged man’s death from rectal cancerNew Zealand· 2025-08-11
Deputy Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell apologized for the ongoing delay in processing Oates' complaint.
Stu McPherson death: Health and Disability Commissioner investigates after TV producer dies in sleep, two days after routine surgery at Mercy Ascot GreenlaneNew Zealand· 2025-06-27
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell expressed concerns regarding the treatment provided to Ms A.
Woman suffers years of pain after failed dental implant, HDC report saysNew Zealand· 2025-06-09
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell released a report on Mr A's case.
Health and Disability Commissioner: Man developed terminal cancer after signs missed on x-rays and scansNew Zealand· 2025-03-24
