Out Of Sight - Out Of Mind

2/9/2004

Grey Power Media Release

Out Of Sight - Out Of Mind RE: [NZ Herald 3rd September] Eye Patients Turned Away From Hospital

Figures stated in the above article indicate that Auckland District Health Board's eye clinic has seen an increase of over 100% from June 2003 (1034 patients) to June 2004 (2383 patients), in patients waiting more than 6 months to be assessed at the Auckland District Health Board's eye clinic.

Grey Power Health Spokesman, Les Howard says "This shows a complete lack of planning. It is an established fact that there is an ageing population and health needs are increasing. To refer patients already assessed as needing specialist treatment, back to their GP's is just another way of reducing waiting lists. Many patients have already been waiting 18 months."

"Any list can be reduced by taking people from it but the fact remains that these people still require specialist treatment. It is a scandal and highly dangerous to send elderly people home with obvious eye problems."

"It is not an ambulance needed at the bottom of the cliff but a hearse!"

ENDS

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