Newstalk ZB - Headlines 10am

Patient Speaks Out - One of the patients who may have been exposed to infection after an equipment failure at Christchurch Hospital is condoning the hospital’s handling of the situation. Rod is one of over 1300 patients being asked to undergo blood tests after it was found that a pump used to disinfect endoscopes broke down earlier this year. Letters have been sent out to patients who may have been exposed to cross contamination. Rod says it is an upsetting situation but at least patients now have the full story.

Energy Bill - Labour starts its caucus shortly to see whether it will support the Government’s proposed electricity lines company legislation. National needs Labour or New Zealand First to vote with it because ACT is against the Bill. Labour has been pushing for price control of electricity retailers. This is something the Bill does not cover. The Party says it would be loathed to support what it calls flawed legislation. New Zealand First is being cagey about its position, leader Winston Peters says his party will get behind any law which ensures cheaper power for all kiwis.

Minister Criticised by Minister - State Services Minister Simon Upton is rejecting criticism from fellow Minister Tuariki Delamere that Government departments are racist. Mr Delamere wants a quota system, saying the current equal employment opportunities system is not working. Mr Upton has produced statistics which refute the claim stating 13.1% of employees in the state sector are Maori almost twice the percentage out in the private sector.

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