2. LESLEY SOPER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
Has he received any reports on the treatment of child cancer?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Minister of Health) Link to this
Yes. I watched with concern the portrayal of Wellington’s paediatric oncology situation on Television One’s Close Up last night. Further, I have read reports in today’s regarding Capital and Coast District Health Board that add to my list of concerns. I wish to advise the House that as my first external act as Minister, I called in the chair and chief executive officer of Capital and Coast District Health Board yesterday morning. I conveyed to them the Government’s serious concerns at the paediatric oncology situation and more generally. I received an undertaking from the chair that she would report to me by the end of this month with recommendations on solutions to the paediatric oncology issue. She further advised me that the board would act immediately and comprehensively to address issues raised in the Telarc review. I expect that to be done.
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
Unlike Gerry Brownlee, I am concerned because when children and their families are confronted with a diagnosis of cancer, they require certainty—
Gerry BrownleeI raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I take great umbrage at the inference that Minister is currently making. I take such offence that I think he should withdraw the comment.
Madam SPEAKERThe member has asked for a withdrawal. I would note, however, that an interjection was made on the Minister by the member at that time, and the Minister was responding to it. As we know in this House, if members make interjections they are likely to get a response. But I will ask, since the member has asked for that, for the comment relating to Mr Brownlee to be withdrawn.
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
I withdraw the comment and I repeat my answer. I am concerned because when children and their families are confronted with a diagnosis of cancer, they require certainty about where and when treatment will be given. Child cancer services are essential for our children and families, and there is no way that the Government will see that compromised. Measures that I, as Minister, can take if I am not satisfied include increasing the monitoring of the board’s performance and considering the position, potentially, of the chair and the board. The present situation is unsatisfactory; some fundamental changes may need to be made.
Barbara StewartWill he undertake to provide extra funding to improve paediatric oncology services at Starship Children’s Health and Christchurch in the event of such services being unsustainable in Wellington; if not, why not?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
I do not wish to pre-empt or foreclose any options, and the matters are ones for the chair of the district health board to bring to me in due course. It would seem logical that if there is any potential transfer of services downstream, there would have to be resourcing to match it.
Katrina ShanksDoes the Minister not realise that the situation with regard to the child cancer service at Wellington Hospital is symptomatic of the wider problems of the district health board, where there is a complete failure of leadership and a complete breakdown of relationships between management and staff?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
I think it is important for the House to recognise that although there is useful material in the Telarc report and it has been welcomed by the board, of course there is a relationship between that and various professional interest groups that should be recognised. As I have said, I have accepted an undertaking from the chair that the issues raised in the report that go beyond paediatric oncology will be comprehensively and immediately addressed.
Sue KedgleyHow can Wellingtonians possibly have confidence in their district health board when it is in such an obvious state of meltdown, with patient records and clinical records being stored on trolleys in public corridors and freely accessed by patients, with nurses dispensing medications prescribed by an unknown medical officer, with 20,000 radiological reports not being printed for 8 months because of computer error, and with staff morale being at rock bottom; and at what point would the Minister consider dismissing the board and replacing it with a commissioner?
Hon Tony RyallHon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
I ask Mr Ryall why he does not stay in his box. I am running this show, and he will probably not—[ Interruption]
Please be seated. Interjections do, of course, as I have said, provoke responses. However, I would ask the Minister to stick to addressing the question.
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
None of those factors are acceptable, and they will be addressed in due course.