DHB silent on waiting list cull

It is understood around 2,000 people waiting to see specialists in Canterbury will be culled.

However, Canterbury District Health Board will not specify how many patients on its waiting lists will be sent back to their GPs.

Acting general manager Vince Barry said the issue was not about patients needing the service, but about what the DHB is able to honestly and ethically offer.

He said the real issue in terms of complying with the national waiting times policy is giving people certainty about getting treatment.

Mr Barry said if the DHB cannot give people certainty then it needs to refer them back to their GPs for ongoing care.

- NEWSTALK ZB