Scalpel Needed For Health Red Tape

Heather Roy Friday, 30 June 2006

Press Releases - Health

Departing Waitemata District Health Board CEO Wayne Crombie is a loss both to the Board and to the public health system, says ACT Health Spokesman, Heather Roy.

"His experience and knowledge will be missed, and his comments on the Ministry of Health's excessive compliance and monitoring requirements should be taken on board", Mrs Roy said.

"Since his appointment to Waitemata DHB in 1998, Dr Crombie has done his best to balance the needs of patients against a Government addicted to blaming front line staff for Labour's failing health policy.

"Of course some monitoring is required to make sure that patients are treated quickly and safely, but Labour's red tape in the health system has become a tumour too large to ignore.

"Labour claimed DHBs were set up to meet the needs of their local populations, but over time, they have become another layer of of bureaucracy between patients and the Minister.

"Healthcare is about treating patients, not protecting the Minister and Government from criticism. DHBs have too often become the meat in the sandwich - blamed when they are only guilty of implementing Labour's health policies.

"That someone of Dr Crombie's calibre is leaving the public health system to work in the private sector should serve as a wake-up call for Minister Hodgson.

"DHBs should be allowed to focus on buying the best quality health services, in the best time, at the best cost - not satisfying the Minister's mandarins", Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

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