4. TARIANA TURIA (Co-Leader—Māori Party) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
What is the Minister doing following the report of the Health and Disability Commissioner that progress in tackling the safety and quality of health care in New Zealand has been “slow, patchy and uncoordinated”, and how will these concerns be addressed in ways that recognise, respect, and protect the rights and responsibilities of consumers?
Hon JIM ANDERTON (Associate Minister of Health) Link to this
The health and hospital systems can always, of course, be improved, and this Government is always looking for improvements. That is why the previous Minister of Health, the Hon Annette King, developed and implemented a quality initiative. That is why the current Minister is reviewing the membership and terms of reference of the National Health Epidemiology and Quality Assurance Advisory Committee. The Minister anticipates making positive announcements very shortly on further actions to be taken.
What were the grounds for the Health Advocates Trust services, which pioneered Māori-specific advocacy services within the Northland and Auckland catchment, not to be repurchased; and does that decision not contradict the health and disability legislation requirements to meet the needs of vulnerable populations?
As I am acting on behalf of the Minister I do not have information on why that contract was not renewed. But if the member wants to put that question in writing to me, I will see that officials give her a full response.
Sue KedgleyWhy, when each year 1,500 people die as a result of adverse events in our hospitals—which is three times the annual road toll—and that costs taxpayers $870 million a year, will the Minister not require that hospitals report publicly on adverse events, so that New Zealanders can compare records in this area, as called for by the Health and Disability Commissioner and the Health Committee?
I think all of us are aware that in one sense hospitals are dangerous places, because people who are very sick usually go there and sometimes adverse events occur in them—that is true. As a front-line constituency member in an electorate in Christchurch that is very close to two hospitals, and knowing what other people around the world think of our public hospital system, I say to the member that basically New Zealand has a very fine public hospital system that we should be proud of. Work is being done continually to improve the situation, and that will continue.
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. It was very interesting to hear the Minister’s comments about public hospitals, but I specifically asked the Minister why he would not require mandatory reporting of adverse events. He did not even attempt to answer that question, and I would appreciate it if he did so.
Madam SPEAKERI think that the Minister did address the question. As members are reminded, they cannot require a specific answer to a question.
How is the Minister directing the Health and Disability Commissioner to respond to the findings released in mid-2006 from a survey of 6,579 patients admitted to 13 hospitals, which reported that Māori patients had a higher risk of experiencing preventable adverse events in hospital than did patients of non-Māori and non-Pacific origin?
I cannot be certain of how the Minister is dealing with that issue, but, again, if the member wants to put a written question to me, I will make sure she gets a full and appropriate answer.
Ann HartleyWhat evidence is there that the Health and Disability Commissioner complaints system is working to advantage patients?
I note the commissioner states in his report that there is growing evidence that investigating systemic failures in care and recommending improvements is making a positive difference to the health and disability sectors. The Government welcomes the role of the commissioner both in improving our already world-class complaints systems and providing leadership on quality improvement.