A conservative stock take of health services shows that 50 frontline services have been cut by the Government in 18 months, Labour's health spokeswoman Ruth Dyson said today.
Ms Dyson said the cutbacks included home help services across the country, mental health services, diabetes programmes, emergency department access in some areas and nursing positions at one DHB.
Labour released a list of 50 areas it said had been subject to cuts, citing press reports and Government briefing papers
"I find it a disgrace that every month since he has been in office Health Minister Tony Ryall has overseen at least three cuts to frontline patient services."
Mr Ryall said the Government had inherited a health system on track for financial crisis, with unfunded services exceeding $150 million.
"You can only have a strong public health service, and certainty of services, if District Health Boards live within their means.
"There is no certainty for staff or patients when DHBs limp along in deficit," Mr Ryall said.
DHBs had received record levels of funding this year, and they will get even more funding next year, he said.
"All District Health Boards are looking at how to restrain the growth in costs. Part of that involves restructuring, reducing bureaucracy and shifting the savings to frontline services. Changes are significantly about reducing administrative waste and bureaucracy. All money saved has gone straight back into health for higher priorities."
