The Waitaki District Council-owned company owns and operates the Oamaru Hospital and provides health services in the district.
Yesterday, when the company presented its annual report to the council, Mr Berry took the opportunity to address two recent incidents of parties expressing criticism in the media of treatment received at Oamaru hospital.
He was referring to Richmond man Andy Earl, who criticised treatment he received after being injured in the head-on crash which killed Timaru businessman Allan Hubbard, and Oamaru woman, Sonya Watson, who criticised the treatment of her 65-year-old father Brent Buchan, who was transferred to Dunedin Hospital at her insistence, and where he later died.
Mr Berry said there had been 23 complaints in the past year, all of which had been resolved.
It caused the company concern if people gave the impression things were not going well at the hospital.
"Nothing is further form the truth," he said.
No-one should doubt the skills and competence available at the hospital, which was fortunate in its range of services and senior and highly qualified staff, which were unusual for a district hospital.
"Patient care is closely monitored and reported, including in the annual report to the council," he said.
The hospital had a clear process to deal with patient issues. Any concerns were checked and investigated by hospital managers. They could be further reviewed by the Health and Disability Commissioner if people wanted to pursue concerns.
"We have a first-class hospital in Oamaru, and this needs to be reiterated, in fairness to those dedicated staff who provide its services."
