Calls For Commissioner At Capital DHB "Loopy"

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE,
FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2007

“Political Calls For Commissioner At Capital & Coast DHB Loopy”

“Political calls by the National and ACT parties for a commissioner at Capital & Coast DHB replacing the board are loopy and forget history,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“The last time we had something close to a commissioner was when the then National government appointed an ‘executive chair’ at Capital & Coast with special powers in the late 1990s. This proved to be a disaster.”

“This de facto commissioner made two noticeable contributions. The first was to introduce a new computer system which proved to be unsuitable and had to be replaced at considerable financial cost. His second contribution was to employ a ‘cowboy’ chief executive, also linked to the failed computer system, who only lasted a short period and departed in controversial circumstances.”

“New board chair Sir John Anderson summed it up well when he said that Capital & Coast needs teamwork. In the health system wisdom comes from teamwork, not a single boss with unilateral powers.”

“National and Act have also overlooked the significance of the appointment of the highly respected Dr Ian Brown to the board. It is hard to think of any senior doctor more experienced and suitable for encouraging a new culture of engaging senior doctors in the engine room of DHB decision-making. Health Minister David Cunliffe has made an excellent choice,” concluded Mr Powell.

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