A hospital in the Whanganui district of New Zealand has come in the line of fire from the opposition party. This happened following several errors in the hospital that resulted in over 600 people not being able to avail of specialist treatment.
. Health Minister Pete Hodgson was under severe pressure to resign or to take urgent steps to improve the situation in Whanganui hospital. The ministry of health had to face severe criticism from the National party for the lapses that were noticed in Whanganui hospital.Understaffed and with obvious administrative errors, the hospital faced strong criticism for service cuts as well, which compromised on optimum patient care. Several patients were not given specialist attention which had been recommended by their GPs.
However, the minister of health has assured that, a through review has been initiated to unearth all irregularities at the Whanganui hospital. The Whanganui District Health Board has been ordered to look into the irregularities mentioned. The health ministry is hopeful to implement comprehensive changes soon, to revamp the entire system. The ministry plans to pump in $34 million in order to revamp the Whanganui hospital.
One doctor came in the open and aired his concern, about the state of affairs at the hospital. He voiced his concern about the fact that the hospital lacked sufficient obstetricians, pediatricians or even junior doctors to cater to the needs of emergency cases. Access to CT-scans and other similar procedures, that are very important diagnostic aids are also limited, opined Dr Clive Solomon. The CEO of the DHB has assured that a major recruitment drive has been initiated that should help to improve the availability of medical specialists in Whanganui hospital.
Source-Medindia
MST
