Hospitals still drowning in deficit

Deficits continue to weigh down hospitals with the announcement of another huge operating deficit for District Health Boards, says National’s Health spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott.

“The DHB operating deficit for the year ended September 30 is a whopping $216 million, despite the Government pouring $67.3 million extra in over the last quarter. This is slightly reduced from the previous deficit, but the cash injection from the Government has only made a small dent.

“These numbers have a big cost in human terms. It is communities around the country who will suffer when there are service cuts, strikes, workforce shortages, rural under funding, private contracts cancelled, and tougher criteria for operations.

“It's no wonder King is urgently back-tracking on her reforms and forcing DHBs to merge with continuing financial problems like this,” said Dr Scott.

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