30 Apr 2010

New DHB legislation introduced

6:09 am on 30 April 2010

The Government has introduced new legislation to streamline the way that district health boards function.

The bill sets up an independent Quality and Safety Commission and aims to drive regional co-operation between various DHBs.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says it's important to try to cut duplication between the health boards

The bill would also give the minister extra powers to direct boards to cooperate if there is no progress.

Mr Ryall says these powers would be used only as a last resort, but Labour says the bill is a sledgehammer approach that will be unpopular.