Media Release
Wednesday 16 April 2014
Tranter questions CEO’s assurances
“There is a bizarre notion among bureaucrats, politicians and others that if they say something then it must be so -
despite all evidence to the contrary” said David Tranter, Health spokesman for Democrats for Social Credit.
“The latest instance for the West Coast District Health Board is CEO David Meates' statement as quoted in the Greymouth
Star, 10 April: ‘Now we have got all the bits lined up’. This was in response to a board member's question ‘What
processes were in place to ensure things went smoothly for the patients?’.
“Quite apart from the strange wording (‘all the bits’?), numerous West Coast cases demonstrate the emptiness of Mr.
Meates' assurances. If he really believes his organisation responds appropriately to the needs of patients who have
suffered traumatic consequences from surgery which has gone dreadfully wrong, why does he use expensive corporate
solicitors to endlessly delay the most persistent patient enquiries regarding their cases?
“Remember, this DHB has a long and continuing record of getting rid of health professionals who dare to question
management.
“Now Mr. Meates is claiming that moves are afoot to improve the care of South Westland patients by keeping them longer
in their homes. Given the DHB's history of empty assurances regarding South Westland I doubt that many residents will be
holding their breath.
“The approach of politicians, bureaucrats and others recalls the words of the noted writer on the English Constitution,
Walter Bagehot. Regarding the attitude of the rich towards those less well off he said "It is very difficult to make
them understand why people who want dinner do not ring the bell".
“Authorities on fat salaries who make lofty pronouncements need to spend a year on the average income to re-focus them
on what real life is about for those they treat with such lofty disdain.”
ENDS