ACT Deputy Leader Ken Shirley said he was dismayed to learn that the Government did not know the number of operating
theatres in the country’s public hospitals.
Mr Shirley, who is also ACT’s health spokesman, was commentating on an answer to a Parliamentary question in which
Health Minister Annette King said she could not provide an answer because her Ministry did not hold information on the
number of operating theatres in state-owned institutions.
“It is also clear she does not know the number of theatres available in our private hospitals either,” Mr Shirley said.
“No wonder the health system is struggling to cope with huge waiting lists and staff shortages when the Minister is in
the dark about her own portfolio,” Mr Shirley said
“It defies all logic as to how Ms King can even attempt to persuade New Zealanders that her health reforms will lead to
a more efficient health system, when she does not know the extent of essential existing facilities such as operating
theatres.”
Mr Shirley said the Minister was “anaesthetised” by her own ideology.
ENDS