Story: Hospitals

Cartwright Inquiry

In 1987–88 Judge Silvia Cartwright investigated whether unauthorised experiments on women with cervical abnormalities had been conducted at National Women's Hospital in Auckland. Her report concluded that the treatment of these women was inadequate and, in a small number of cases, had led to serious illness and death. Conclusions like this contributed to diminished trust in doctors. In this news clip Judge Cartwright stressed her belief that many male doctors cared about their patients, but also expressed her concern for the women involved.

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How to cite this page:

Linda Bryder, 'Hospitals - Challenges to hospital care', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/27566/cartwright-inquiry (accessed 28 April 2024)

Story by Linda Bryder, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 13 Jun 2018, updated 1 Jul 2022