Kaitaia surgery cuts held back

Around-the-clock surgery at Kaitaia Hospital will not end before a series of key recommendations are put in place, the Government says.

In late January the Northland District Health Board voted to end 24-hour surgery on February 28 in favour of surgery between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

Health Minister Annette King and Te Tai Tokerau MP Dover Samuels said yesterday that the board had promised to follow through on the recommendations of an independent review team, set up last year to examine health services at the hospital. Ms King said: "If I am not satisfied with the new arrangements and commitments, then the status quo will remain in place beyond February 28."

The review team had recommended:

* Improving the emergency transfer/retrieval system, with an increased role for Kaitaia staff, and agreed protocols and procedures for transfer.

* Increasing outpatient clinics in Kaitaia to allow equitable access for local people.

* A commitment to locating GP services on the hospital site and a business plan for an on-site accident and medical clinic.

* A commitment to realign surgical positions at Kaitaia in consultation with the existing clinical staff, leading to the clinical integration of the Whangarei and Kaitaia surgical departments.

The Kaitaia Hospital Action Group has protested against the board's plans to Health Ministry officials.

Spokeswoman Millie Srhoj said that Far North residents were totally opposed to the after-hours surgery cuts.

- NZPA