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.

© Scoop Media