28 August 2002

Minister's Attack On Patient Dreadful

The Health Minister should follow her own advice and not name, blame and shame Timaru Pensioner Ted Matthews, National Health Spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott said today.

"The Minister's attack on Mr Matthews' credibility today is unwarranted.

"As a geriatrician who has cared for older New Zealanders with complicated medical histories I am still appalled at Mr Matthews having to take the knife to his own hands.

"Obviously he was not being listened too and that has continued today with the Health Minister's attitude.

"When a patient in New Zealand says he was crying out for surgery to relieve excruciating pain, the smell of the fingers rotting was terrible and ACC didn't even know he was a patient so urgent surgery was unavailable then. The system has let him down.

"The Minister should address the reasons for the failure not attack the patient," Dr Scott said.

Ends

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