Ombudsman supports secrecy of health plans

By MARTIN JOHNSTON

The Chief Ombudsman has upheld secrecy by health board and Government officials in negotiations over the future of health services.

Sir Brian Elwood said a board's refusal to release its draft annual plan was justified.

Health legislation envisaged that the negotiation of each board's annual plan would involve only two parties, the Government and the board.

Public debate on the plans before they were finalised could undermine the policy-making process, he said.

The Herald sought a copy of the Auckland District Health Board's draft after the management in July identified $30 million of potential cuts to patient services over two years.

This was to help deal with an expected $62 million deficit this financial year.

But the board has since advised the Government not to implement the cuts.

The Ministry of Health has refused a Herald request for copies of "efficiency templates" prepared by the 21 district health boards to show how they intended to make savings.

The boards' annual plans - which detail what health services will be provided - are still under wraps, although the financial year is almost halfway through.

In August, the Ministry of Health said it expected the plans to be finalised and signed by Health Minister Annette King in September.

In a letter to the Herald explaining his decision, Sir Brian said: " ... disclosure [of the draft Auckland plan] would be likely to undermine the ability of the board and the Minister of Health to reach a reasoned agreement on the final contents of the annual plan.

" ... release of the proposals contained within the plan, which could be subject to considerable modification, would very likely result in pressure on either or both parties to adopt a particular position on one or more specific issues, thus impeding the consultation and negotiation process."

It was in the public interest, he said, for the board and the minister to reach a reasoned and timely agreement on the plan's ultimate contents.

"While members of the public are undoubtedly capable of making valid suggestions or contributions in respect of health issues, the relevant legislation clearly contemplates agreement being reached between two parties only, the board and the minister."

The Public Health and Disability Act requires the annual plans to be made public as soon as possible after they have been finalised.

Ministry spokesman Gordon Davies said yesterday that Mrs King would soon sign several boards' annual plans. Others had outstanding issues which were expected to be resolved within weeks. One or two would take longer.

Eleven boards so far have replied to Herald requests for copies of their efficiency template plans. Two refused to supply them and three have not prepared any.