11. PAULA BENNETT (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
How many times in 2008 has the Waitakere public hospital closed its emergency department to new patients during normal operating hours?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK (Associate Minister of Health) Link to this
I am advised that Waitakere public hospital has not closed its emergency department during normal operating hours. I am also advised that based on patient clinical need, it has diverted some ambulances and walk-in patients to other hospitals, but that it has consistently remained open for emergencies.
Why, then, does official information from the Waitemata District Health Board clearly state that Waitakere public hospital closed its emergency department 52 times in the space of just 5 months in this year alone?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
That is quite contrary to the advice I have received in answer to this question. I will seek further answers.
Lynne PillayWhat reports has the Minister seen regarding bed numbers operated by the Waitemata District Health Board?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
Bed numbers have increased dramatically since this Labour-led Government built a whole new hospital in 2005. In addition, 20 new beds at Waitakere Hospital have been put in place, and a further 48 beds will be open in November at North Shore. Current plans also include rebuilding the Waitakere maternity unit by 2011, and building a new tower block at North Shore with 212 beds by 2013—great progress under a Labour Government.
Has the Minister seen reports that 1,400 patients have been transferred to the North Shore, and does she know how many have not been transferred but have simply been turned away at the door without even seeing a medical expert?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
I am advised that of the 24,000 patients treated at Waitakere, around 1,400 were transferred safely to North Shore. At all times patient safety has been the primary consideration. Clearly there is work to do, but that emergency department is not doing badly for one that opened in 2005.
What is the Minister doing about this crisis, when the Waitemata District Health Board states clearly: “Diversion of patients is a result of insufficient medical staff to maintain a full emergency department service.”, and can she assure the residents of Waitakere that if they turn up at the emergency department they will actually be seen?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
The Waitemata District Health Board reports that at present it has a full complement of nurses and it has also appointed three new doctors, who will begin within 3 months. When they arrive at the centre it will be almost fully staffed, with only one doctor vacancy
So despite all the extra funding and this Government’s so-called commitment to health, we still have patients who are being turned away at Waitakere Hospital, and how does she expect the hospital to fulfil its goal of providing a 24/7 service when currently it cannot even stay open between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
I am advised that of the 24,000 patients seen this year, only 254 were given vouchers for White Cross, which is 2 minutes down the road. I think the member is being quite alarmist. This is based on clinical need.
How does the Minister then respond to the mother who turned up to the emergency department with her son, who was having an asthma attack, in her arms, but who was turned away and told to go to White Cross although she said she had no transport, and who had to carry him down the road, turning up there extremely distressed, with a child who was in an extreme crisis?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
I am unaware of the incident in that case. If the member would like to get information on it to us, we will look into it with some urgency.
Hon Pete HodgsonCan the Minister confirm that under the entire 9-year regime of the previous Government the emergency department at Waitakere Hospital did not close once, but that the reason for that was that there was not one?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
Absolutely. There were no services at Waitakere other than maternity and a few medical service beds. This Government built a new hospital at Waitakere.