The Hawke's Bay District Health Board has initiated an independent clinical investigation into the standard of patient care at Cranford Hospice in Hastings.
The hospice provides a specialist palliative care service to Hawke's Bay and the DHB provides 70% of its funds.
DHB acting planning manager Ken Foote says the investigation follows a recent complaint to the Health and Disability Commissioner.
An independent team of auditors and palliative care specialists from the Central Region Technical Advisory Service will report to the board by the beginning of April.
Dr Foote says the board has a very strong relationship with Cranford and it is important that it offers the best care.
A spokesperson for the DHB says it would be inappropriate to make any further comment on the matter until the investigation in complete.
Cranford Hospice director Barry Keane welcomes the independent clinical investigation, saying it is happy to be transparent and accountable for the quality of care provided.
Mr Keane says the audit may well highlight things which need to be improved, but is confident it will show that the hospice clinical team provides very good care in line with best practice standards.
