The head of a doctors union is hitting back after his criticism of three district health boards was dismissed by health sector bosses.
Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Ian Powell has described three district health boards as autocratic, and said the way they operate puts the public at risk.
Health Minister Tony Ryall has put the comments down to union tactics and the chair of Waitemata and Auckland boards, Dr Lester Levy, said they are unkind, unhelpful and out of date.
Mr Powell said Mr Ryall is attacking the messengers rather than listening to the message.
And he said Dr Levy is a walking spin doctor who has seen his board's management deteriorate under his watch.
