Kevin Stent/Things
Stuff will question National Party health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti about what else can be done to ease the strain on the health system.
at 9:30 a.m., stuff will speak live with National Party health spokesman Dr Shane Reti to ask him how he would overcome shortages of health personnel, overburdened emergency rooms and long waits for GPs.
stuff planned to host a debate Friday between Reti and Health Minister Andrew Little to conclude the Life Support health survey underway this week.
There was little in Wellington stuff two weeks ago in the office, where he spent 30 minutes answering readers’ questions about the health system. After that interview, reporter Rachel Thomas asked him if he was interested in coming back for a debate on the morning of July 29.
He initially said yes, he was interested – although it should be in the morning because he was out of town in the evening. But he has since declined the offer.
On Thursday, Little was made a final request to participate in a debate, and his response was this: “We couldn’t agree on a date…
“I have out-of-town appointments tomorrow to meet hospital staff across the country. Addressing the current problems in the health system should be my priority rather than, with all due respect, a further conversation with you about [sic]…
GOODS
Health Minister Andrew Little talks to Stuff health reporter Rachel Thomas about the strain on the health system, nurses’ salaries and how he plans to overcome staff shortages.
“Shane Reti and the National Party have not provided an alternative health plan and are facing more of the same from the old system. We stand for change, because doing more of the same is arguably no improvement. In that regard, our positions are clear.”
stuff will dr. Reti asked his reaction to this, how he would handle things if he were health minister and what else could be done to ease the pressure on the health system.
stuff also invited Margie Apa, the CEO of Te Whatu Ora, to participate in a live interview at the Auckland newsroom, but she declined.