Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. It is the duty of a party leader to control his or her troops. The National Party cannot go on with 12 or 13 people every day shouting out when they feel like it. Nobody in this Parliament—least of all me—objects to the rare humorous interjection, in particular, but this constant barrage is not what this Parliament is used to. Mr Key has a duty to bring them into line.
Madam SPEAKERThe chipping across the Chamber when Barbara Stewart was trying to ask her question was unacceptable. If the member had not got to his feet, I was about to. We will now hear Barbara Stewart’s question in silence.
Does he support the decision by the Capital and Coast District Health Board to terminate Kenepuru Hospital’s 24-hour emergency coverage; if so, why?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Minister of Health) Link to this
No, I do not. I am advised by the board, however, that it did not decide to terminate emergency coverage; it reduced the hours as a response to a short-term staff shortage, in order to guarantee patient safety. I have received a number of representations from local members—in particular, the member for Mana, the Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban. I have reflected those concerns to the district health board. I have been advised that the district health board is urgently investigating options to reopen the 24-hour service on a permanent basis. I look forward to urgent progress.
Is the Minister aware that the new regional hospital is likely to be too small to cope with future demand, even before its completion; if so, will consideration be given to further developing Kenepuru Hospital; if not, why not?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
I am advised that with the excellent progress that has resulted from the Government’s primary and preventive health care strategy, the hospital on the Newtown site will be adequate when completed.
Louisa WallKia ora, Madam Speaker. Is there any provision for people who attend Kenepuru Hospital at night for emergency services?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
Yes. I should make it clear that all people presenting to the department between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. are assessed by the duty manager, who is a registered nurse, and, if appropriate, a paramedic. If any person needs emergency attention, he or she will be immediately taken to Wellington Hospital. To date, the services of the paramedic have not been needed.
Is the Minister aware that project plans for the Capital and Coast District Health Board’s medical services have always included “refurbishing, increasing and maximising use” of Kenepuru Hospital; will the Government be providing additional funding for that; if not, why not?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
The allocation of the district health board’s resources is a matter for the board to decide. It is certainly my view that the Kenepuru site will continue to play an important role in the network run by the Capital and Coast District Health Board.
Will any funds raised by the sale of excess land at the Kenepuru site be used specifically for the redevelopment of Kenepuru Hospital; if not, why not?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
There are certain protocols around the use of the proceeds of capital sales, which the Capital and Coast District Health Board is cognisant of—rather more, I might add, than it appears the Hawke’s Bay board was in its similar case.