Health Minister Annette King is refusing to let the public know how many people are sitting around awaiting urgent operations at the nation's hospitals. National's Health spokesman Roger Sowry said today. "She's either highly disorganised or hiding the true story that hundreds of people are being messed around by cancellations because hospitals are lacking staff and strong direction from her on priorities.

"I asked the Minister how many scheduled operations were cancelled at 20 health boards in the 12 months to January this year but she refused to answer.

"The Minister also refused to answer why operations were being cancelled at the country's health boards. "In a massive side-step to avoid divulging the information she replied 'this information is not held centrally'.

"I am writing to each and every district health board and hospital to find out what is going on. The public needs to know even if Annette King's not prepared to inform them.

"The Minister said the buck would stop with her but every opportunity she gets she refuses to provide information. She is kicking for touch," Mr Sowry said.

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