Cost cutting hitting country’s health services

Proposed staff losses at Waitemata are just the beginning of a likely domino effect across the whole country, Labour’s Health spokesperson Annette King says.

“Tony Ryall has been tightening the screws on health board budgets ever since becoming Minister. Unfortunately the chickens are now coming home to roost.

“Waitemata’s new funding has dropped year on year since 2008. (Graph attached)

“The results of that are big cuts to its mental health service, with charge nurse numbers in the mental health unit slashed by 50 per cent and 14 admin staff losing their jobs, the disestablishment of some clinician positions, and claw backs in emergency departments – where it is planned to replace 10 doctors with nursing roles.

“Mr Ryall’s response – that the Government has put more funding into Waitemata – might be true, but it is just not enough.

“Both the CEO and board chair are aware the Minister’s additional funding for 2013/14 is half of what Waitemata received in 2007/08.

“When health services are continually put under cost pressures, something has to give. The compromises district health boards are being forced to make now will have serious long-term effects on both the quality and care Kiwis have come to expect.”

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