Dr Lynda Scott National Health Spokesperson

9 October 2002

Geiringer case shows lack of control on spending

Health Minister Annette King must be concerned about overspending by elected health board representatives, after reports that a Capital and Coast District Health Board member has spent more than $5000 on travel, National says.

National Health Spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott says Annette King has set up the new district health boards who can approve these excessive travel expenses for local board members, members that are supposed to represent the local issues.

"A board should have a travel budget and guidelines for it. There should be restrictions so that board members are not incurring unnecessary costs on the board.

"Health dollars are precious and should not be wasted on the increased bureaucracy King's health reforms have delivered. The Minister must be concerned that this is happening and assure New Zealanders that this is not occurring more widely around the country," Dr Scott said.

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