Focus on GPs over child abuse

The Government will spend millions to ensure that doctors report child abuse.

This follows Child, Youth and Family Services evidence that many doctors claim ACC money for child abuse cases but do not report them to authorities.

Health Minister Annette King confirmed that a spending plan was being set up to train doctors to follow family violence and child abuse guidelines issued two years ago.

"What we need is ... [to get] doctors aware of them [the guidelines] and using them."

Doctors were often reluctant to report child abuse because of patient confidentiality.

The new plan would help health professionals share information, an inadequacy highlighted by the Children Commissioner's investigation into the death of abused youngster James Whakaruru.

James was seen 30 times by four different GPs before he died.

- NZPA