1. Question No. 1—HealthDr SHANE RETI (Deputy Leader—National) to the Minister of HealthORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Health1. Dr SHANE RETI (Deputy Leader—National) to the Minister of Health: What progress has been made towards reducing the number of district health boards and which district health boards will be cut?Hon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health): The Health and Disability System Review recommends combining some DHBs into larger stronger entities. The review also recommends eight to 12 organisations responsible for providing health services to their populations. That's why the Labour Government has accepted the case for reform and the direction of travel outlined in the Health and Disability System Review—specifically changes that will reduce fragmentation strengthen leadership and accountability and improve equity of access and outcomes for all New Zealanders.Dr Shane Reti: Which DHBs will be combined?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: As I think I indicated in my previous answer the Government has so far accepted the case for reform and the general direction of travel indicated in the report. No decisions have been taken on any structures institutions or entities at this point.Dr Shane Reti: Does he stand by his answer to written questions that he has seen no business case for a reduction in the number of DHBs?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: To the extent that that member is conflating the Health and Disability System Review report which is a public document which makes recommendations about the numbers of DHBs and any other advice I have received it's been pretty clear—and I've indicated—the Government will make detailed decisions following further consideration in the early part of next year. No decisions have been taken on the number of DHBs or any other legal entity in the health system.Dr Shane Reti: Point of order Mr Speaker. My question was: does he stand by his answer to written questions that he had seen no business case?SPEAKER: Well I think that was addressed. Dr Shane Reti: Does he stand by his answer to written questions that he has seen no risk analysis for a reduction in the number of DHBs?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: Yes.Dr Shane Reti: Where will proposed cost savings come from if any in combining DHBs?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: Well I'll just reiterate to the member what I've already said. No decisions have been taken—or specific decisions—have been taken on any change to any legal entities any structures or any organisation within the health system. Those are matters or detailed decisions which will take place in the early part of next year.Dr Shane Reti: What will be the impact of combining DHBs if any on lower-paid Māori workers?Hon ANDREW LITTLE: The objective of the health reforms is to ensure greater equity of access. We know that there are gaps in health service provision. That member well knows that because of the area in which he lives and we have to change that and that's what the Health and Disability System Review was set up to have a look at. In terms of workforce issues the Health and Disability System Review report makes it very clear we have a long way to go in terms of workforce development and fairness and parity amongst the health workforce if we are going to improve what we achieve.