DHB Review found women with life-threatening conditions treated insufficiently due to lack of hospital staff

The investigation into recent three stillbirths at Counties Manukau DHB has found staff shortages aren't confined to its maternity department.

A working group reviewed 32 sepsis cases over 2016 and 2017.

It found in half, the severity of the illness could have been reduced if symptoms were picked up earlier.

The report noted several delays in admission, being seen, diagnosis, treatment and follow up.

There were also instances of compromised care because of inadequate staffing and one repeated delay in access to an operating theatre.