13 May 2013

Parklands tragedy endorses DSC call for health system enquiry

Just a day after DSC Health Spokesman David Tranter called for an enquiry into public health system administration including health ministers’ failure to respond to concerns conveyed to them, Tony Ryall has stated “there would not be an inquiry at ministerial level” into the appalling mistreatment of disabled clients at Parklands, a former home for the intellectually disabled in South Auckland.

“Given that the owners of this establishment, which was shut down in September after its owners and staff had mistreated residents for over 10 years, it is equally reprehensible that the Ministry of Health has also stated that “it had no plans” to enquire into this tragedy. The Ministry's director of purchasing services for the National Health Board, Jill Lane, said yesterday there would not be any review, inquiry or investigation into the case” said Mr Tranter.

“And given that regular complaints were made about Parklands from 2001 but that the appalling conditions there evidently continued until its closure this typifies what I have long complained of regarding health authorities turning a blind eye to issues raised with them.

“Annette King’s weeping and wailing about this issue should be seen in the light of her having been health minister from late 1999 until 2005. Given that complaints were made about Parklands from 2001 onward is the public to believe that she was completely unaware of what was happening at Parklands during her time as Minister?

“Kevin Hague’s complaints about this issue should been seen in the context of his arrogant dismissal of health professionals’ concerns brought to him while he was ceo of the West Coast DHB. In both these cases it is easy - and commonplace - for politicians not holding positions of power to take the moral high ground and then fail to deliver when they have the ability to do so, Mr. Tranter said.

“If Mr. Hague wouldn’t listen to his health professionals in Greymouth is he likely to act on issues if he gets into a position of power?

“The DSC will be continuing its calls for a full enquiry into the way the health system is being run and particularly regarding what happens when legitimate - and serious - concerns are raised with the authorities.

“The Parklands tragedy must not be brushed under the carpet as Tony Ryall and the Health Ministry have made clear to be their wish. Whatever they may say to the contrary they are ultimately responsible and the public should be demanding they stop hiding behind the sort of weasel words that have become all too common amongst those holding positions of power in the health system” Mr. Tranter concluded.

ENDS

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