Greens Want Gov't To Examine Compensation Questions

Green Party Health spokesperson Sue Kedgley said today that the Government should consider whether compensation, including lumpsum, for medical misadventure is adequate in light of the Gisborne cancer smear inquiry findings.

Ms Kedgley said the Green Party had already been planning to raise the issue in the select committee looking at the new ACC legislation, and the plight of the Gisborne women had reinforced the need for an immediate look at the compensation question.

"It's totally unfair that these women and families who have lost loved ones should have to relive their suffering again through a High Court action to seek compensation, especially as it may take years.

"I am encouraged that the Minister of Health is giving special consideration to their case for compensation, and I encourage her to be generous and to make her decision swiftly.

Ms Kedgley said the inquiry report recognised that health officials were partially to blame for the systemic failure of the National Cervical Screening Programme.

"The Government has to take responsibility for the failure of the system, and compensate the unfortunate women who paid the price with their health."

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