Northland DHB assures Minister it will implement recommendations
Health Minister Annette King says she and Te Tai Tokerau MP Dover Samuels have been assured by the Northland District
Health Board that it will not cease 24 hour a day, seven day a week acute surgery at Kaitaia Hospital before key
recommendations from the Independent Review Team are implemented.
Ms King said today the key recommendations involved:
improving the emergency transfer/retrieval system, including an increased role for Kaitaia-based staff, and agreed
protocols/procedures for transfer
increasing outpatient clinics in Kaitaia to enable equity of access for local people
commitment to co-locating GP services on the Kaitaia hospital site and to the development of a business case for an
on-site Accident and Medical Clinic
commitment to realigning surgical positions at Kaitaia in consultation with the existing clinical staff, leading to the
clinical integration of the Whangarei and Kaitaia surgical departments.
“If I am not satisfied with the new arrangements and commitments, then the status quo will remain in place beyond
February 28, the date on which the board currently plans to cease 24 hour a day seven day a week acute surgery,” said Ms
King.