8. BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
Does he consider it acceptable that Gisborne Hospital is struggling to provide basic services to the area it serves due to financial problems; if not, what is he doing about it?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) Link to this
In the past week I have been in contact with the Tairāwhiti District Health Board chief executive to discuss issues facing local health services in Gisborne. I am advised that members of the board and the management team are travelling to Wellington tomorrow for a meeting with Ministry of Health officials to discuss those financial issues further.
Is he aware that Tairāwhiti District Health Board is responsible for significantly more people with higher needs—such as those over 65, Māori, and young people—than the proportion for New Zealand as a whole, and what, if any, extra funding does the district health board get for their care?
Yes, I am aware of that. On average, the people of Tai Rāwhiti, per capita, receive about 21 or 22 per cent more than the per capita figure for New Zealand as a whole. None the less, the performance of a population-based funding formula should always be kept under review. It is next up for review in 2007, and that is one of the issues that I am sure will be discussed tomorrow.
Anne TolleyWill the Minister accept my invitation to come to Gisborne and meet with not just the health board but the staff, local iwi, and the rest of the public, to discuss the widespread concerns signalled by the district health board that hospital services are to be downgraded; if not, why not?
I was in Tai Rāwhiti not very long ago, speaking with all of the people the member mentioned. [ Interruption] No, she was not there. I am in touch with the chief executive of Tairāwhiti District Health Board as often as I need to be. The chair and the chief executive both have my cellphone number, and I have theirs.
Moana MackeyThe Tairāwhiti District Health Board has recently announced significant changes to the configuration of Gisborne Hospital’s emergency department. The district health board will take over the management of the department and will add two extra doctors to the department’s staff. Those changes will see all of the doctors and nurses working under the same management. That will bring significant benefits in both the efficiency of the department and the services it provides to local people.
Should these financial problems not be described as belonging to the Government rather than the district health board, given that it is central government’s responsibility to provide adequate health-care for everyone, no matter where he or she lives?