The Government's constant and solemn pre-election pledge to slash waiting lists has failed miserably for the 137 patients waiting for heart surgery in Auckland, National Health spokesperson Wyatt Creech said today.

"Labour's been in power for more than nine months and in that time four times as many heart patients are waiting for surgery at Greenlane Hospital than a year ago.

"Annette King should be mortified by this news. She has failed the Prime Minister and she has failed Aucklanders. "These people have been let down.

"Helen Clark made a solemn credit card commitment to cut waiting lists. Under this Government these heart patients have not got a better deal, in fact the situation has become four times worse.

"This is a wake-up call for the Government.

"Unfortunately for us all health officials, health workers and health professionals delivering services have had their attention diverted to the massive health restructuring being forced on them by the Government.

"That means they can't just get on with the job of delivering and improving services.

"Annette King must sort out what is happening with these patients.

"She must also sit down and reflect on what happens when people have their attention diverted on to restructuring instead of delivering health care."

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