Wednesday 8th Sep 1999
Media Statement
Hon Donna Awatere Huata MP
ACT New Zealand

Hawkes Bay woman's pain shows failure of hospital system

ACT MP Donna Awatere Huata said today she was appalled by the plight of a Hastings woman suffering intolerable pain because of waiting list delays at Hawkes Bay Hospital.

"Mrs Burns' predicament is a stark example of the failure of our hospital system. I am appalled that Mrs Burns has been on the surgery waiting list for almost a year without treatment."

Sally Burns has a wire protruding from her chest following open-heart surgery in Australia five years ago.

"Despite ambulance trips to Hawkes Bay Hospital for help with excruciating pain, Mrs Burns has still not received treatment."

"The fact that her original surgery was carried out in Australia should not influence any decision to extend her position on the waiting list.

"If Mrs Burns had been covered by private insurance, paid for by her taxes, she would not have to endure this intolerable pain."

"The delay causes me to wonder whether Health Care Hawkes Bay is waiting for the wire to burst through her chest before they take action," Mrs Huata said.

Mrs Huata has written to Health Care Hawke's Bay medical and surgical services manager David Meates, urging him to ensure Mrs Burns is given the surgery she desperately needs.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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