Healthcare NZ chief executive Vanessa Dudley was called "gutless" by protesters during a demonstration in Oamaru yesterday against a proposal to axe jobs in North Otago. A Healthcare NZ spokesman said via email Ms Dudley was unavailable for comment yesterday and would not be making any further comment on the controversial proposal. Protesters outside Healthcare NZ’s Oamaru office in Coquet St yesterday, demonstrate against a proposal that may result in jobs lost in Oamaru. PHOTO: DANIEL BIRCHFIELDMrs Wilson said the loss of any jobs in Oamaru would hit the private healthcare provider’s operations hard. It seems that perhaps Healthcare NZ doesn’t quite understand the breadth of their role, so we’re really saying this is a vital role and it should stay local.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 13, 2020 15:22 UTC