Government's Health Employment Confusion
New Zealand First health spokesperson Pita Paraone is calling on the Government to clarify the confused employment
situation at the Taranaki District Health Board.
“No-one wants to take any responsibility for the employment dispute between the Taranaki District Health Board and John
O’Neill. It is a complete farce,” said Mr Paraone.
Mr O’Neill has been on sick leave since October 2002. His contract allows for unlimited sick leave.
“In denying all responsibility Health Minister Annette King is essentially hiding behind the skirts of the health board.
“Her call for a review of chief executive contracts is a meaningless gesture, especially when State Services Minister
Trevor Mallard says there are no plans to review the contracts.
“The only consistency in this Government is its Minister’s propensity to dodge issues.
“The Government owes it to the residents of Taranaki to sort this mess out and stop wasting over $500,000 of precious
health funds, money that could go towards reducing hospital waiting lists in Taranaki, employing two people for one
position,” said Mr Paraone.