Inquiry into hospital patient’s death
Two inquiries are under way after a prominent software and internet specialist died after being admitted to Christchurch’s Hillmorton Hospital.
Julian Carver, 44, who was the first chief information officer at Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera), died on January 2.
Canterbury District Health Board chief medical officer Dr Sue Nightingale said in a statement that the DHB was carrying out a ‘‘serious incident review’’ to ascertain the facts of Carver’s death.
‘‘The review will identify whether there are changes we need to make to our systems and processes that could have prevented this sad outcome. Any recommendations following serious incident reviews are published annually by the Health Quality and Safety Commission,’’ she said in a statement.
Nightingale expressed sympathy for Carver’s family and friends.
Carver’s death has also been referred to the Coroner.
His family declined comment, saying they did not want to prejudice the Coroner’s inquiry.
Carver founded several software and internet startups in the mid 90s, and chaired New Zealand’s Return on Science ICT Investment Committee from 2012 to 2014.
Before his death he was working on contract for the State Services Commission on corruption and integrity issues. His position with Cera meant he was heavily involved in the Christchurch central city blueprint design.
In memorial posts on his Facebook page, friends described a freethinking and inspiring ‘‘super geek’’, who had made a major contribution to the national and local tech community.
They said he was a smart, passionate man who would be remembered for his ‘‘fearless geekery’’.
Carver’s funeral was held last week.
He has two children, Seraphine and Xavier.
His sister, Anwen Holtshousen, has set up a Givealittle page to fund their education.