MP asks the questions

Today, National Party Associate Health Spokesperson Dr.Paul Hutchinson put in some Parliamentary written questions to the Minister of Health in regard to organ donation.

The questions are below. I will put up the answers when they become available (12 Aug) Though we already know how they will be answered. But it will keep the issue fresh in the Minister's mind!

 10511 (2004). Dr Paul Hutchison to the Minister of Health: Does the government propose changing organ donor legislation and if so what are those changes?

Hon Annette King (Minister of Health) replied: Reply due: 12/08/2004

10512 (2004). Dr Paul Hutchison to the Minister of Health: When, if at all, does she expect the government to table legislation that changes the organ donor laws?

Hon Annette King (Minister of Health) replied: Reply due: 12/08/2004

10513 (2004). Dr Paul Hutchison to the Minister of Health: Will the governmentl change organ donor legislation so the onus falls on the concept of the donors wishes prevailing over the wishes of the relatives; if not why not?

Hon Annette King (Minister of Health) replied: Reply due: 12/08/2004

10514 (2004). Dr Paul Hutchison to the Minister of Health: Is the government planning to increase the number of intensive care beds in New Zealand hospitals?

Hon Annette King (Minister of Health) replied: Reply due: 12/08/2004

10515 (2004). Dr Paul Hutchison to the Minister of Health: Is the government planning to initiate a national awareness campaign to help increase the number of organ donors in New Zealand; if so when, and if not ,why not?

Hon Annette King (Minister of Health) replied: Reply due: 12/08/2004

10664 (2004). Dr Paul Hutchison to the Minister of Health: Are any recommendations planned that government pay reasonable expenses for people who are prepared to be live donors; if not why not?

Hon Annette King (Minister of Health) replied: Reply due: 13/08/2004

10665 (2004). Dr Paul Hutchison to the Minister of Health: Have there been any health situations where the family of a potential donor have said no, against the wishes of the donor, which have resulted in the government paying substantial amounts of money to maintain the health of intended recipients; if so how many?

Hon Annette King (Minister of Health) replied: Reply due: 13/08/2004

10666 (2004). Dr Paul Hutchison to the Minister of Health: Does she agree with Professor Stephen Munn that achieving a 20% increase in donors in New Zealand would save in the order of several million dollars per year in other treatments?

Hon Annette King (Minister of Health) replied: Reply due: 13/08/2004