6. BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
What is his response to the New Zealand Medical Association’s call for the Government to put an immediate moratorium on the implementation of changes to laboratory services while a national plan is developed and an independent ministerial review is done of all district health board decisions to date?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) Link to this
I had a meeting with the College of Pathologists the day before yesterday on this and related matters concerning the workforce. I said that I would not yet consider taking such steps. The evidence I have been presented with shows that our pathology workforce is growing—not shrinking, as some claim—and that district health boards are proceeding well with laboratory service changes. For example, the Auckland District Health Board, which has caused so much recent comment, is running a little ahead of its schedule with its implementation plan. However, I have invited the College of Pathologists to present me with any evidence it has to the contrary, and I have agreed to consider that evidence fully and meet again as necessary.
What reasons can the Minister give the House as to why a national plan for laboratory services should not be developed?
The fact that people call for a national plan does not mean that there is not one already. Roughly speaking, the Government’s approach to hospital and community laboratory services is that they should be provided by district health boards—either themselves or jointly with other district health boards—that district health boards are free to contract with whomever they wish to provide those services; that all services must be to an international quality, of course; and that where a private provider needs access to district health board premises, then there is a protocol in existence that must be complied with, the essence of which is that it must in the first instance be for the benefit of New Zealanders.
Moana MackeyWhat reports has he received on the implementation of laboratory service changes in the Auckland region?
I have received reports that the new configuration of laboratory services in the Auckland region will allow an extra $15 million per year to be invested back into health services for Aucklanders. I have also received reports that the implementation of these changes is running a little ahead of schedule, and that the new provider is on track to building a high-quality laboratory service for Aucklanders.
Dr Jackie BlueDoes the Minister not realise that the uncoordinated and contradictory laboratory service changes around New Zealand are having a major impact on the laboratory workforce, which experts have warned will put standards and quality at risk, and is he prepared to see another Bottril-like scandal affect New Zealand patients?
I freely acknowledge the disruption to workers—medical laboratory scientists, pathologists, and others—if there is a change of provider and, therefore, a prospective change of employer. I have seen reports that some pathologists are planning on leaving. I have also received a report—yesterday, I think—that the new Auckland laboratory provider is receiving many inquiries each day, and already has more pathologists interested in taking jobs in some, but not all, of the areas of need. Yes, there are worldwide shortages of pathologists, and all district health boards are conscious that, as a result, that valuable workforce has the potential to be very mobile.
Can the Minister assure New Zealanders that district health boards have contingency plans in place if new providers cannot deliver the services required?
All district health boards are required to ensure that those services are provided, and there are a variety of contingency plans that vary from district health board to district health board. I would be happy to provide the member with more information if she could give me more specificity.
Keith LockeI seek leave to table the New Zealand Medical Association’s letter to the Minister dated 18 August, which does refer to undue risk in overturning the status quo of established relationships in favour of unproven and potentially unstable arrangements.
Madam SPEAKERI seek leave to table a statement by pathologists employed by the Auckland regional district health boards, where they are unwilling to cooperate with new services, which poses a serious risk of undermining—
I seek leave to table an article from this morning’s Dominion Post where it is reported that the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia are very unhappy. They have a major concern with cancer diagnoses in particular, as a result of the change in pathology services.