Minister 'considering' challenge to sack DHB chief

Tony Ryall. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Otago District Health Board chairman Richard Thomson's challenge to Health Minister Tony Ryall to sack him is being "considered" by the minister.

Discussions between a defiant Mr Thomson and Mr Ryall over a huge fraud scandal came to a head last night with the minister asking for Mr Thomson's resignation.

But Mr Thomson refused and told Mr Ryall he should have the courage of his convictions to sack him and provide the public with reasons for doing so.

The standoff follows the $17 million fraud of the DHB by its former chief information officer Michael Swann and his friend and business associate Kerry Harford.

Both were found guilty in court last month and are awaiting sentencing.

Mr Ryall sought an explanation as to how the pair were able to get away with the ongoing fraudulent behaviour.

Mr Thomson told the Otago Daily Times it was clear to him several weeks ago that Mr Ryall wished to remove him and he felt that he was using a briefing on the issue last week as justification.

"It was a pre-determined outcome well before he spoke to me," he said.

A spokeswoman from Mr Ryall's office said today the minister was writing to the board "as he is considering removing the chairperson".

The minister refused to comment on whether he had moved to carry out the sacking of Mr Thomson.

"I expect accountability in the public health system and were are now following due processes," he said.

Mr Thomson is an elected member of the board, and his removal as chairman could see him remain as a board member.

- NZPA