7. Dr PAUL HUTCHISON (National—Hunua) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
Does he stand by all his statements in relation to health services?
Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health) Link to this
Yes, including the statement that despite the world’s worst economic crisis since the 1930s, this Government is determined to protect and grow the New Zealand public health service.
Dr Paul Hutchison Link to this
What additional resources are being invested in public health services this year, and how does this investment compare on a GDP basis with previous years?
This year the Government is funding Vote Health an additional operating budget of $512 million, bringing it to a total of over $13.5 billion every year. Members will know that the Budget projects an increase in GDP next year. I can advise the member that the health budget for next year—and, indeed, for the current financial year—is the largest percentage of GDP ever spent on health in New Zealand. That is to say—and members opposite will want to note—that this Government is investing a greater share of the economy in the public health service than any previous Government has in the history of this country.
Hon Ruth DysonHow will thousands of older New Zealanders who are already struggling with cuts to their home help view his Budget, when district health boards received $200 million less in additional funds under his watch? All that those older people want is $30 a week worth of home help, which is being cut.
I say to those old people that the Government is putting $512 million extra into the health budget, whereas that member opposite projected $330 million. District health boards will spend a record amount on home care in the next year; 65,000 to 70,000 people receive home support services each year. Each year around 15,000 people either start or finish receiving support services in their homes. Some receive it for short periods to recover from an operation or illness; others may cease receiving home care and go into a rest home. District health boards are planning to spend a record amount on home care next year.
Dr Paul Hutchison Link to this
What does the Government expect to see as a result of this Budget’s commitment to protecting and growing the public health service?
The Government is determined to get the best possible value for every dollar put into the New Zealand public health service. The Government expects to see more elective surgery for New Zealanders, faster emergency departments in our hospitals, and better cancer treatment for New Zealand men and women. In addition, district health boards are putting more money into home support both this year and next year.
How can he justify his statements boasting about his health budget when Nelson and Marlborough residents have just been told that $1.51 million will be slashed from their front-line mental health services in a move described by locals as “a mass dumping” of the most vulnerable?