Health New Zealand’s review of Nelson Hospital, released today, took 16 weeks and concluded what we already knew – that the Government’s cuts are hurting our health system.

“The review highlights serious gaps in the systems that are meant to keep patients safe, which I am deeply concerned about,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.

“Doctors at Nelson hospital had already spoken out about the significant issues, so the findings of this review come as no surprise.

“Significant workforce problems are identified as a key issue. The hospital has no risk manager, isn’t checking if staff have the right credentials, is not reporting adverse events and is not compliant with requirements to engage patients and their families.

“Health New Zealand officials have repeatedly blocked my efforts to obtain information about risk management in hospitals. I can see why.

“The obvious piece missing from this review is how much more funding is needed to ensure people in the top of the South Island can rely on care at their hospital.

“Presumably Health New Zealand knows the number of staff required, but don’t have the funds, so have not included those numbers in the report.

“The Nelson community has a right to know what the Government will do to address these problems sooner rather than later and hold them to account. Let’s hope it’s not another 16 weeks before the Government comes up with a plan,” Ayesha Verrall said.

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