29 May 2006

Consultation on labs adequate, lease granted

Health Minister Pete Hodgson has written to the Otago and Southland District Health Boards advising that he is satisfied that he has been adequately consulted on their proposals to reconfigure laboratory services.

"The District Health Boards appear to have undertaken a careful and comprehensive analysis of the issue," Pete Hodgson said.

Pete Hodgson said he had received advice that the decision to award the contract for the service was with the District Health Boards, but that the decision to approve a long-term lease of hospital space for Southern Community Laboratories (SCL) was his, and that he had granted permission.

"However, I have also advised the DHBs that should any future decision of the Employment Relations Authority or the Employment Court materially change the nature of the proposal that I would expect to be further consulted on those changes."

ENDS

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