‘Thoughtless cost-cutting’: 100 patients’ care put in doubt by Health NZ plan

8 Aug 2024

RNZ

  • Clinic cancelled with no warning and no explanation
  • Health New Zealand says such decisions “are made with involvement of relevant clinical and service leaders” and permanent staff now taking over the clinic
  • But emails show staff not consulted, and there was no plan to manage patients
  • “Northland has two gastroenterologists but really needs at least four” – Dr Stein
  • Patients “gutted”

A specialist locum who has been working in the Far North for nearly a decade had his clinic cancelled by Health New Zealand with no warning – and no plan to support his 100 patients.

Leading gastroenterologist Dr Richard Stein says while arrangements have now been made to cover his Kaitaia patients, the move appears to be “thoughtless cost-cutting” by management.

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Key issues

HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

Covering developments in the provision, funding and organisation of health care services.

EQUITY

Exploring the impacts of the health system on minorities within the population, notably including Māori, Pacifica, Asians and LGBTQI.

DRUGS, DEVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS

Covering prescription medicines and medical devices.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Focusing on efforts to promote health and prevent disease through social and economic interventions.

DIGITAL HEALTH

Exploring the potential digital transformation to provide a more connected and accessible health system.

TE TIRITI

Monitoring how the health reforms and the performance of the health sector uphold Te Tiriti obligations.