Tragedy from bureaucratic errors
Tony Ryall MP
National Party Health Spokesman
28 October 2008
Tragedy from bureaucratic errors
National Party Health spokesman Tony Ryall says after nine years Labour still can't get the basics right with the health system.
"The country woke this morning to read the tragic story of Anita McCall, who died as a result of complications during surgery - but only after waiting 13 months to see a specialist because her records were lost in the system.
"People are falling through the cracks in our health system. Today's tragic story follows strong criticism from the Health and Disability Commissioner last week.
"With more than 12,000 health bureaucrats, New Zealand should be doing better than letting patients disappear from the health system.
"Cancer services have been falling behind. There are delays in radiation treatment, surgery, chemotherapy and medicines.
"Workforce shortages are also restricting cancer services.
"After nearly a decade Labour is offering no solutions, except to apologise for what they could've spent. Instead of apologies, the focus must be on getting better value for the billions that have gone in to health."
ENDS