MEDIA RELEASE

New Interim Chief Executive will face legacy of underfunding

Capital & Coast District Health Board member David Choat says he wishes new interim Chief Executive Debbie Chin well but warns that the financial problems she will face will be at least as great as those that confronted former CEOs Ken Whelan and Mary Bonner. Ms Chin's appointment was announced this afternoon.

"This government has consistently refused to fund health adequately, and the result is increasingly impossible decisions for Boards and management."

"The reference to "financial challenges" and an "ambitious" Annual Plan in Ms Chin's announcement is standard public relations code for tough times to come."

"I support Ms Chin's appointment to this interim role. Her roles to date make her uniquely-placed to step into the position and 'hit the ground running'. But anyone who thinks we can run an effective hospital and fund safe and effective service for Porirua, Kapiti and Wellington without a better funding settlement from the government is kidding themselves."

David Choat is speaking as an individual Board member and not on behalf of the Board as a whole. He was elected to the Board in 2010 and is currently standing for re-election to the Board as the candidate for the Labour Party.

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