12 July 2000 Media Statement
Bunkle Applauds Minister's Action
Alliance health spokesperson Phillida Bunkle today said she was thrilled with the decision of Health Minister Annette
King to dismiss the Tairawhiti Healthcare Ltd board.
"This is decisive action by the Health Minister and will go a long way to restoring faith in what has clearly been a
dysfunctional health service in the Gisborne region," Phillida Bunkle said.
"I have been deeply concerned about many of the problems in that region from the events that have led to the current
Inquiry into cervical screening in Gisborne to the latest revelations about prostate cancer testing in that area.
"Health advocates and consumers have called for someone to be held accountable for the problems since I disclosed the
problems of cervical screening in Gisborne last year.
"I applaud Annette King's prompt response to this situation. This is in stark contrast to the dithering of the last
government which failed to do anything about real problems in that region.
"The way is now open to consider the idea of a cancer control agency to bring together screening diagnosis and treatment
of cancers."
ENDS