Minister of health Tony RyallTuesday 17 February 2009, 1:45PM
Media release from Minister of health Tony Ryall
Health Minister Tony Ryall says health bosses will be held
accountable for their performance.
This afternoon Mr Ryall announced he has removed Richard Thomson
from the position of appointed Chair of the Otago District Health
Board.
"During Mr Thomson's chairmanship, the largest fraud in New Zealand
State Services history was taking place at Otago DHB. $17 million
was defrauded over 6 years," said Mr Ryall.
"This morning I telephoned Mr Thomson to tell him my decision ,"
said Mr Ryall.
"Accountability is a critical aspect of the role of the Chair and
as Minister I must have confidence that the Chair will lead a board
that operates both effectively and efficiently."
Mr Ryall also announced that Mr Errol Millar, an appointed member
of the Otago District Health Board will take up the role of Chair
immediately.
Mr Millar was appointed to the Otago DHB in 2007, having been
appointed to the Southland DHB in 2002 and 2004. He was also Chair
of the Airways Corporation 2001-2004, and is currently Deputy Chair
of the Civil Aviation Authority.
"The close working relationship between Otago and Southland DHBs
will be further strengthened by Mr Millar's experience on both
boards," said Mr Ryall.
Mr Thomson remains an elected member of the Otago District Health
Board.