Listen Now: 
Health Minister Shane Reti has sacked the remaining members of the board of Te Whatu Ora-Health New Zealand and appointed recently installed chair Lester Levy as commissioner on a one-year term.
He blamed the previous Government’s health reforms for creating a significant financial challenge which meant the largest public sector agency was overspending at the rate of $130 million a month.
He says there are problems with its operating model and internal monitoring framework.
The explanation we’ve been given is disconnecting from the front line meant the board was unable to better align resources with what the front line needs were. There was no visibility to what the front line needs were so that is a significant part of what we’re doing here, reconnecting with the front line. They know best what resources they need, They know best what workforce they need. They know best how to flex up and flex down to meet acute need,” Dr Reti says.
He refused to say whether he has confidence in the Health New Zealand CEO Margie Apa.
Labour’s health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says the Government underfunded the health system in the Budget, and so now it’s trying to make an excuse for why it is going to have to cut costs.
RELATED NEWS
