13 July 2001

Bradford welcomes public inquiry for Parry patients

Green Party Northland MP Sue Bradford today welcomed the Health Select Committee's decision to go ahead with a full, independent inquiry into the care provided by disgraced Northland doctor Graham Parry.

The Greens first initiated the call for an inquiry many months ago but had just recently got cross party support from National MP John Carter and Alliance MP Phillida Bunkle.

"We have joined forces to tell the people in power that they must take the responsibility for the terrible situation many of these women are in right now," said Ms Bradford. "I believe that the Government should have had the courage to initiate a proper inquiry on this issue last year but it's better late than never."

Parliament will hold a new inquiry into the treatment of Northland women by Whangarei surgeon Graham Parry. It will take around two weeks to set the inquiry's terms of reference.

"The inquiry should cover two issues. The first one is to find out what has actually happened to these women and what help they need now. The second is to have a closer look at failures in the health system and how to make it more accountable in future."

Ms Bradford said that the women at the centre of the Parry case needed legal and financial assistance to help them with the numerous complaints they were involved in - with ACC, the Medical Council and the Health and Disability Commissioner.

"These women continue to struggle with very difficult health and financial problems, and help should be offered to them immediately.

"I hope that the inquiry will bring attention not only to the medical failures of Doctor Parry and Whangarei hospital, and to some extent the private health system, but also to the wider issues of medical mistreatment and compensation for medical misadventures. Today's decision is the first step," Ms Bradford said.

ENDS

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