25 February 2009 Media Statement

Where is the promised elective surgery plan?

The launch today of National’s so-called plan on elective surgery is nothing more than smoke and mirrors and once again shows the Government has no real plan of action, Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson says.

“The Minister has not in reality announced anything, he simply received a proposal for a second Superclinic for Auckland.

“While it’s great that Tony Ryall has recognised the benefits of the superclinic idea and will look at plans for another, why did it take him 100 days to have a plan that already exists submitted to him,” Ruth Dyson said.

“It’s extremely disappointing that the Minister has done virtually nothing on this issue, given all the promises and carping over the last few years.

“The Minister was clearly desperate to show he was doing something other than sacking a DHB chair and cancelling conferences.

“Labour had already committed $160 million to increasing elective surgery in last year’s budget, had carried out the largest hospital building programme in living memory and had increased the number of elective surgery procedures carried out during its time by 9.3 percent across the country.

“There is always more to be done in health, and New Zealanders need to know their Minister is focussed on making a difference. So far we certainly haven’t seen it,” Ruth Dyson said.

ENDS

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