Hon Ruth Dyson
Health Spokesperson

10 December 2010 Media Statement

Tony Ryall and Simon Power fail Taihape

Families and couples were yesterday torn apart as elderly residents were evicted from the resthome in Taihape and other health services were put in jeopardy, Labour Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson says.

“It seems the Minister of Health was yesterday too busy meeting with supermarket owners to notice or care that people in their 80s and 90s were being evicted from their resthome,” Ruth Dyson said.

“It is a disgrace that National have cut more than 100 health services throughout New Zealand and yesterday when Taihape residents needed a Minister of Health prepared to stand up for rural health services Tony Ryall was nowhere to be seen anywhere near Taihape.

“Clearly Health Minister Tony Ryall is embarrassed and ashamed by his failure as a Minister of Health, in refusing to answer the pleas of Taihape residents – and he should be embarrassed and ashamed as should local MP Simon Power.

“National told New Zealanders they would deliver more health services. But in reality they are delivering less.

“As well as allowing health services in Taihape to evict elderly residents, the Government has stripped funding from home support services around the country, slashed funding for stop smoking programmes, cut mental health funding, and its claims that it increased elective surgery are just a joke as budget papers confirm the extra procedures and money are in a large part to deal with increasing numbers of people being transferred from ACC to DHB surgery lists.

“But where has the Minister been during this time? He has been arrogantly smiling for cameras one moment while signing off on the slashing of health services the next.

“Tony Ryall’s arrogance has allowed health services in Taihape to fail and should be held responsible,” Ruth Dyson said.

ENDS

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