Leary responds to new hospital reporting

IT IS frustrating to see the many column inches given to what is clearly an ongoing antiGovernment campaign being run by the Otago Daily Times regarding the hospital and then have my own comments edited into a tiny portion to ‘‘balance’’ the story.

The story specifically on the incoming minister appears to be an attempt to find balance but it didn’t address any of the criticisms raised by councillors — especially in relation to actions by local MPs.

Come on ODT, you’re usually a great independent newspaper with fairer coverage than that.

Health and wellbeing of our local community is a top priority for me as a local electorate MP and, like the DCC, I want the best outcomes for our people. I’m keen to continue to work with councillors to ensure the hospital that Labour promised is the best it can be for the region, and I’m proud that this government chose to invest to record levels, when previous governments did nothing.

Having listened carefully to the local community and the Dunedin City councillors as well as health professionals and the unions, it’s clear that more information is needed, both in terms of the DCC’s financial assumptions and the financial rationale for the proposed changes.

I’ve been working to get that , as well as liaising with other local Labour MPs to organise a meeting between the Health Minister and regional mayors. Ingrid Leary MP for Taieri

The Otago Daily Times will question any government, on behalf of the community, about major local issues, including the planning and construction of the new Dunedin Hospital.

It stands by its reporting of the DCC debate on the project, which Ms Leary commented on. As Ms Leary notes, a reporter also spoke to Dr Verrall about the new hospital. — Editor.

Crisis, or not?

Apparently, the resignation of New Zealand’s Prime Minister causes a crisis (ODT, 23.1.23).

Hospitals unable to get nurse or doctor staffing to a required level, emergency departments running shortstaffed, meaning wait times of 10 hours or more, elective surgeries being cancelled, not enough GPs in the country, as part of the woes of New Zealand’s health service, is not a crisis.

Or is it just that the Health Minister Andrew Little doesn’t understand the word?

Most other New Zealanders seem to. James McAnally

Invercargill .....................................

Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. — 2 Corinthians 10.17.