Extra 88 operations

The surprise $10 million boost for elective surgery nationwide announced this week will pay for 88 extra operations in Otago and Southland.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said in a statement yesterday the Southern District Health Board's share was more than $500,000, which would enable 88 operations in ophthalmology, general surgery, plastics and orthopaedics before the end of the financial year.

Labour has said the funding is proof the Government is embarrassed by negative publicity about elective surgery wait times.

Health board patient services director Lexie O'Shea said the board was yet to decide how the additional surgery would be provided.

- eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz

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