Blast for health system

The public is being misled into believing the health system is delivering them the operations they need and it's time for a fundamental debate on the issue, says a doctor likely to become a National MP.

Johnathan Coleman is standing in the Northcote seat, which National believes it has a strong chance of wresting from Labour.

But he was also ranked 35 on the party's list unveiled at the weekend, which on present polling would ensure him a parliamentary seat regardless of a constituency win.

His comments follow a Herald DigiPoll survey in which voters rated health as their issue of greatest concern.

National has two doctors in its caucus, but one - Kaikoura MP Lynda Scott - is retiring at this election.

The party has also given Mt Roskill candidate and breast physician Jackie Blue a shot at making it into Parliament on the list, ranking her No 41.

Dr Coleman is a healthcare consultant who works as a GP in Otara once a week to keep him "grounded".

The former Australian Outback Flying Doctor did an MBA in London and moved into consulting after becoming frustrated that he wasn't able to effect the change he could see was necessary.

Asked to name the one thing he would change if he could, he said he would cut surgery waiting lists and make sure people who had paid their taxes all their lives could get access to the care they believed they were entitled to.

"This Government tells you we have a free healthcare system with access for all. But the reality is there are many things which just aren't being treated in the public system and I don't think the public is aware of this."