Dr O'Sullivan camp keen to talk

Dr Lance O'Sullivan's parting of the ways with Kaitaia general practice Te Hauora o Te Hiku o Te Ika has raised deep concerns and unconcealed anger in the community but the 150 people who gathered at Te Paatu Marae on Monday to discuss their concerns generally took a constructive stance.

The consensus was Dr O'Sullivan's supporters wanted to talk to the board that governs the practice, Vaniva Rutene-Lewis saying "a good part of the whanau" had no desire to attack the board members but wished to work with and guide them.

The goodwill was seemingly unreciprocated. The hui heard five of the seven board members, who represent iwi and the wider community, had responded to invitations to attend Monday's meeting with 'Apologies, but I have a clinic'; 'Have to attend a court case, don't have to answer your questions'; 'Speak to the GM/CEO, he has the answers'; 'What does the chair say? Then I won't be coming'.

CEO Bill Halkyard had promised at a protest last week to encourage board members to attend but had told Ms Rutene-Lewis on Sunday night they would not be there.

Waireti Walters labelled the board as gutless, Mere Simons saying those who supported Dr O'Sullivan were in limbo but much of the focus was on seeking ways and means of working with the board.

It was also resolved to call another meeting in two weeks, with the board expected to be represented, to ask how Dr O'Sullivan's departure had eventuated.

Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira, who was present, undertook to do all he could to ensure the board would attend.

"A lot of people are feeling very sad and wanting to do something about what has happened," Ms Rutene-Lewis said.

"We want some justice for Lance. People want him back, as long as he wants to be back, and he says he does.

"He has decided he is going to take a stand - for me that's what it's all about. Standing tall and upright for us all."

The hui had changed the majority of views, however. Initially most people had been very angry with the board but now there was a desire to support and guide it.

"People realised they know members of the board, they are relations, friends," she said.

"They are ours, but they should not make any decisions before coming back to us and letting us know first. The channels of communication need to be more open."

Openly criticalDr O'Sullivan, who has been openly critical of what he perceives to be failings on the part of the primary health system to properly cater for many Maori, has undertaken to speak publicly when his three months of 'gardening leave' ends on August 10.

Earlier this week, Te Hauora o Te Hiku o Te Ika Trust chairman Dr Bruce Gregory said Dr O'Sullivan's resignation was accepted with regret. The trust asked him to reconsider his resignation but he had declined.

"His decision is his own, and we thank him for his valuable service to the Far North over many years," Dr Gregory said, adding the trust would ensure his patients continued to be well cared for by his former colleagues.

Supporters of Dr O'Sullivan claim he was "shut out" of the clinic two days after his resignation was accepted.

At a meeting of kuia and kaumatua three days later, a 10-strong delegation was chosen to ask the board that he be allowed access to his office and files so he could continue to care for his patients.

The meeting did not take place, the board reportedly stating discussion had taken place with two of the delegates the previous weekend.