KEY POINTS:
Former Health Minister Annette King has launched a scathing attack on Labtests Auckland chief executive Dr Tony Bierre, accusing him of misleading and hoodwinking the three Auckland district health boards.
Standing in for Health Minister Pete Hodgson in Parliament yesterday, Ms King said Mr Hodgson first became aware of concerns about a conflict of interest in Auckland's medical laboratory contract tender last July, but was assured by officials that it had been dealt with.
The advice, given by the Ministry of Health after it contacted the Auckland District Health Board, was accepted by Mr Hodgson - who did not directly contact the chairmen of Auckland's three health boards to seek any further reassurance.
But Ms King said Mr Hodgson had relied on the information provided to him at the time by his ministry, and believed in good faith that the information was correct.
"What the minister could not bargain on was that Dr Tony Bierre was prepared to mislead not only the chair and deputy chair of the [Auckland] district health board, but all members of the district health board, in terms of his actions," Ms King said.
She claimed he had hoodwinked all those involved.
Dr Bierre last night issued a statement disputing Ms King's comments.
"At no time did I mislead the board and in any discussions my potential conflict of interest was declared at all times and was handled appropriately."
With Mr Hodgson away, Ms King was left to face a barrage of questions from Opposition MPs.
Her responses suggest the Government is keen to cast Dr Bierre as the villain - rather than the chairmen of the district health boards.
Ms King attacked National Party health spokesman Tony Ryall for zeroing in on Auckland District Health Board chairman Wayne Brown.
"There are more people than Wayne Brown on the district health board," she said. "Responsibility rests with the board for the decisions it has made - that is, not with just one member but with the board."
She repeated that Mr Hodgson's confidence in the health board chairs and the deputy chair, Ross Keenan, hinged on their ability to secure ongoing laboratory services after July 1.
