Health board challenging Ministry's decision

Hawke's Bay District Health Board chair Kevin Atkinson announced that their challenging the Ministry of Health's decision to not reimburse them $1 million for the gastro crisis. Photo/ file.

Hawke's Bay District Health Board is challenging the Ministry of Health's decision not to offer financial support to recover costs from the gastro crisis.

In yesterday's board meeting chairman Kevin Atkinson said the news was very disappointing and felt they were being punished for successfully managing a modest surplus.

"It makes you wonder what circumstances you can claim relief so we will go back further to the Ministry with our concerns and challenge its decision."

The district health board asked for a one-off cost associated with the gastroenteritis outbreak in August last year, which would have taken their forecasted year-end surplus to $4.5 million.

Mr Atkinson said a comment in the letter from the Ministry which stated: "A practical solution is we agree to acknowledge the additional costs by relaxing the requirement for a $4.5 million surplus", was interesting given how close it was to the end of the financial year.

As its request was declined by the Ministry, the health board's surplus was reduced by $1 million to $3.5 million.

"The Ministry has failed to pick up on what $1 million meant and could do for the future."

"We're still in surplus, but we need the money to maintain our policies and investment in infrastructure."

Hawke's Bay District Health Board is one of two health boards managing a surplus rather than deficit.

"I think the term surplus should be rebranded to investment fund as with this money we can go on to provide better services."

"This has all happened with the policy of the board and management that we have not fallen into deficit."

Labour's Tukituki candidate Anna Lorck welcomed the strong and united stand by the board.

She said it has a far stronger chance of getting the Ministry to change its mind if it works together and puts the health of the region first.

"I certainly hope that my pair of National opponents get on board right now. They would have known the Government had refused to help Hawke's Bay, but have kept silent."

Ms Lorck said she would keep the pressure up because the decision must be overturned.

"I will not rest until we get our $1 million back for the health of Hawke's Bay."

National's Tukituki MP Craig Foss said the Labour candidate was wrong again and said he was more than happy to speak to the Ministry of Health but was yet to receive any formal request.

"The $100,000 to assist the promotion of Havelock North and Hawke's Bay, the tax package, the MSD package, the co-ordination of Government agencies and providing scientists are just some of the ways Central Government has helped out."

Mr Foss said the HBDHB, which was "reinstated by National after Labour sacked it", was outstanding through the crisis.

Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule supported the district health board in challenging the Ministry's decision but encouraged face to face conversation rather than letters.

He said they may reach middle grounds and actually get somewhere.

"If the district health board needs to raise its concerns then I support it. It did a great job during the outbreak."