Alexander (Sandy) Milne

We must thank Beacon reporter Diane McCarthy for her article in last Friday's edition headlined, "Council to consider creating health advocacy group".

I was intrigued by the responses of some councillors to Mayor Victor Luca’s proposal, which followed a Zoom meeting with experts in healthcare and finance on February 26.
Most people would agree with Andrew Iles, who said problems in our health services were not limited to the Eastern Bay.

But if Dr Luca continues with this and other health initiatives, and they receive serious consideration from politicians, everyone should benefit.

Toni Boynton wants to ensure the Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance, Te Puna Ora o Mataatua and Te Tohu o te Ora o Ngāti Awa are engaged with the "investigation".  What investigation?  Won’t that slow matters down?  And why are these groups not already leading the charge?

I take strong issue with Nandor Tanczos' talk of another impotent talk-fest, backed up by deputy mayor Lesley Immink who said: “We're also not in charge of running the hospital or fixing the New Zealand health care system, so I've got a little bit of concern that it might take us down a path wasting time for staff".

Is she serious in suggesting that highlighting serious and increasing shortcomings in delivery of healthcare is a waste of time?  

She is concerned about taking staff away from their core duties.  Others and I have, for many years strived to get improvements in health services and we get no pay for that.

Dr Luca clearly laid out the reasons why the council should accept some duty of care on health issues. He outlined why the council should consider setting up the health advocacy group and the precedents for council involvement. Kapiti Coast Council has had an active health advisory group for years and Napier City Council has recently indicated its intention to set up a similar group. Dr Luca indicated the costs were expected to be “next to nothing” as in Kapiti.

I participated in the February Zoom meeting "Spotlight on New Zealand health system in crisis".  Mr Iles and Gavin Dennis were the only councillors who attended.  Mrs Immink and Mr Tanczos were amongst the absentees.

It would be helpful if people in the community who are enthusiastic about improving health services and think they have something to contribute could express their interest in being part of the advisory/advocacy group.