Michael Woodhouse MP - News

Marked increase in neurosurgery correspondence to MP’s office

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:00:32 +1200

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28 July 2010

National MP Michael Woodhouse has noted a significant increase in the volume of correspondence to his office in support of the retention of neurosurgeons at Dunedin Hospital.

When last asked for comment on this Mr Woodhouse had reported that just ten or so constituents had contacted him expressing their support but subsequent to that the correspondence now numbers in the hundreds.

“Not a single one of these submissions expresses any support for the consolidation of all neurosurgeons in Christchurch,” said Mr Woodhouse.

“All letters have been well considered and parochialism aside, the retention of neurosurgeons at Dunedin Hospital is supported by well reasoned arguments,” he said.

Much of the correspondence has been copies of letters sent directly to the Minister of Health Tony Ryall or the Director-General of Health Stephen McKernan. All of the correspondence has been forwarded to the Director-General’s office so that it may be considered by the Expert Panel Mr McKernan has convened to consider the issue.

Southern MPs Jacqui Dean, Eric Roy and Mr Woodhouse have also met with Tony Ryall updating him on the strength of support for the retention of the service and restating their strong support for that to occur.

“The Minister was very receptive to the arguments for retention of the service at Dunedin Hospital,” said Mr Woodhouse.

“While we all agreed that a regional service was appropriate, the main question to be answered was whether the “4+2” model was the best one.

“We left him in no doubt that that was our preference,” he said.

Notwithstanding the increase in correspondence, Mr Woodhouse encouraged members of the community to continue to make their views known to the Expert Panel, and was happy for people to write directly to him.

“This is definitely a case where the volume of correspondence will be important in reflecting the community’s views on this and I encourage people from Otago and Southland to continue to make those views known,” said Mr Woodhouse.

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MP urges locals to come up with festival ideas for Rugby World Cup 2011

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:05:47 +1200

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28 July 2010

Dunedin-based National MP Michael Woodhouse is urging Dunedin locals to come up with ideas for New Zealand’s biggest ever festival.

Today the Government announced a new $9.5 million Lotteries Fund to support community events and activities in every part of the country in the lead-up to, and during, the Rugby World Cup.

“The Rugby World Cup will be a huge event for New Zealand, and a great chance for us to celebrate as a region,” says Mr Woodhouse.

“Twenty three centres around the country are hosting games or teams, bringing widespread economic benefits. This fund will ensure that Dunedin can make the most of the opportunity.

“This fund will complement the investment regions are already making in the World Cup festival. There are already some great event and activity ideas out there. We want to hear more!”

Applications for the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund will open on July 27 and close on August 31. Successful applicants will be announced by the end of October.

New Zealand 2011 Office Festival Director Briony Ellis says Dunedin has already put forward some great ideas for the festival, and this fund will ensure that good ideas can be brought to life.

“Our locals know best how to show off what our region has to offer,” Mr Woodhouse said.

“The Rugby World Cup is more than just the matches. We want to make sure our visitors get to see our country, meet our people and have a great time in between the games.”

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For more information on the Fund, visit: www.dia.govt.nz

For more information on the Festival, visit: www.nz2011.govt.nz

MPs welcome funding for rescue helicopter service

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:55:06 +1200

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5 July 2010

“Almost $80,000 is being given to air ambulances in Otago thanks to extra funding from the National-led Government,” say Otago MPs Michael Woodhouse and Jacqui Dean.

“The Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust provides a vital service.

“We are privileged to be able to present a cheque today to further support their work in the southern South Island.”

Dunedin-based MP Mr Woodhouse and Waitaki electorate MP Mrs Dean presented the $78,159 in funding at Taieri Airfield where the helicopter is based.

“Air ambulance helicopters are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Government is working hard to ensure these critical, life-saving services continue to serve the community and save lives,” the MPs say.

The funding boost is part of a $48 million commitment to implementing a New Zealand Ambulance Services Strategy over the next four years.

Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust is one of 16 centres across New Zealand that provides life-saving service transport for critically ill or injured people to medical facilities.

The $1 million plan, announced in June last year, will see 100 extra paramedics and additional training for rural ambulance staff across the country.

Though air ambulances transport about three in every 100 ambulance patients, their costs represent two in every ten dollars of the $150 million spent by Health and ACC on ambulance services.

“We are committed to supporting and furthering our health service sector in the years ahead,” Mr Woodhouse and Mrs Dean say.

The helicopter serves the emergency needs of the population of the lower South Island, spread over an area of 66,500 square kilometres.

The crew is made up of dedicated and highly trained staff. The primary crew is made up of an experienced pilot and an advanced paramedic rescue crewman. Dunedin Hospital's Intensive Care Unit doctors and St John Ambulance advanced paramedics support the primary crew.

For specialised missions there is a range of support teams including water rescue and cliff rescue squads, who are on standby.

The helicopter also transfers critically ill and intensive-care patients. It is also equipped with a specialised neonatal intensive-care incubator for transferring premature babies and their mothers from throughout the region to the neonatal unit at Dunedin Hospital.

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MP welcomes 50,000 warmer homes

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:49:33 +1200

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1 July 2010

Michael Woodhouse welcomes the retrofitting of more than 50,000 homes under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart home insulation and heating programme.

“When we kicked off the four-year scheme in July last year we had a target to make 27,500 homes warmer and healthier in the first year,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“The scheme has been an outstanding success and we are well on track to meet our target of at least 188,500 homes insulated by 2013.”

In Otago more than 2391 households have been made warmer and drier in the first 11 months of the scheme, Mr Woodhouse says.

“Along with greater comfort and health benefits for occupants, the programme has had a positive economic impact during difficult times, creating valuable jobs in Otago.”

About 2000 new jobs are expected to be created across the country as a result of the programme.

“We are seeing good growth in the many businesses directly and indirectly involved,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Under the $347 million scheme the Government is providing grants for all householders of up to $1300 for houses built before 2000 that need ceiling and under-floor insulation. Once insulation is up to standard, homeowners can get $500 towards a clean, efficient heating system.

Community Services Card holders qualify for a 60 per cent subsidy for insulation and up to $1200 for a clean heat device. The scheme has also attracted about $15 million in additional funding in its first year from a range of community groups, health trusts, and other organisations.

“I am delighted to see this extra funding help those people most in need who can access the scheme for free, or at very little cost.”

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MP welcomes school broadband upgrade

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:19:55 +1200

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30 June 2010

More than 3590 local students will benefit from the latest round of network upgrades to prepare schools for ultra-fast broadband, says National MP Michael Woodhouse.

“Broadband is essential for modern schools. It’s great to see National investing in frontline services for the classroom,” Dunedin-based MP Michael Woodhouse says.

“John McGlashan College, Otago Girls’ High School, King’s High School, Queen’s High School, and Taieri College are among 239 schools across the country sharing the $37.5 million upgrade. This is part of the Government’s $1.5 billion Broadband Investment Initiative.

“Ultra-fast broadband will enable these local schools to enhance their teaching and learning programmes, and bring education into the 21st century.

“The learning opportunities provided by broadband will help our young people reach their potential.

“National is working hard to make our education system one of the most connected in the world.”

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Member’s bill will boost financial support for organ donors

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:57:00 +1200

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17 June 2010

National MP Michael Woodhouse says a bill he is sponsoring will further reduce financial barriers to live donation of kidney or liver tissue for transplantation.

The Financial Assistance For Live Organ Donors Bill, which will go into the next Member’s Bill ballot, will increase the support for donors from the equivalent of the sickness benefit to the equivalent of 80 per cent of the donor’s pre-operation earnings – the same formula applied to income support for ACC recipients.

“There is a widespread belief among live donor advocates that the sickness benefit (at $127 - $318 a week) is insufficient to reduce financial barriers for donors and is not enough for most people,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“A higher level of financial support is needed to help donors while they recover after their operation – and this bill does exactly that.”

There has been recent media interest in financial incentives for live organ donors, including a call for the commercialisation of organs harvested from living donors by paying donors $5000 or more for a kidney.

“This bill does not do that and I am not in support of paying people for their organs,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“I am, however, in support of reducing the financial barriers for donors in these altruistic operations and I look forward to seeing the rate of live organ donation increase if my bill is drawn from the ballot and passed in the House.”

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MP praises Dunedin company for Green Ribbon award

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:04:17 +1200

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4 June 2010

National MP Michael Woodhouse says Dunedin production company Splashroom's outstanding contribution to protecting the environment has won an Green Ribbon award.

Splashroom won the Environment in the Media category in the 20th Green Ribbon awards announced last night (3 June).

Splashroom was founded in 2008 by a group of Masters students from Otago University’s Science Communication (filmmaking) degree.

Splashroom now operates fulltime out of Otago’s Centre for Innovation and has a vision to become New Zealand’s leading producer of films to help solve social and environmental challenges.

"By producing solution-focused short films that harness the power of story, and then sharing these films in new and innovative ways, Splashroom is helping transform awareness into action," Mr Woodhouse says.

Splashroom has produced a number of award-winning short films since 2008, and has gone to great lengths to make their films widely available, including distribution to schools, and a nationwide road trip in early 2010.

"This group has demonstrated an impressive ability to produce high-quality films on a limited budget, going beyond the boundaries of simply raising awareness, to inspiring action that benefits communities and the environment," Mr Woodhouse says.

"Its plans to offer internships to university students will help support a new generation of filmmakers and Splashroom’s capacity to make powerful films that reach a broader audience.

"The Environment Ministry's Green Ribbon awards fit very comfortably with this Government’s emphasis on practical initiatives that make a real difference to environmental challenges such as climate change, water quality, the protection of nature, and reducing waste," Mr Woodhouse says.

"These problems won’t be solved by Government agencies such the Environment Ministry or the Department of Conservation alone but by businesses, communities and individuals showing local leadership."

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Decision on kids ward, NICU imminent

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:02:18 +1200

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2 June 2010

Minister of Health Tony Ryall is visiting Dunedin Hospital on Thursday 3 June and Dunedin-based National MP Michael Woodhouse is hoping for an announcement on the proposed paediatric inpatient capital development project at Dunedin Hospital.

Mr Woodhouse has been lobbying for approval of the $24 million project and met both Minister Ryall and Finance Minister Bill English in February this year to advance the case for the project. The current new born intensive care unit (NICU) and children’s inpatient facilities don’t meet expected standards of care and there is substantial overcrowding in NICU. The redevelopment was signalled as a high priority in the DHB’s master site plan.

“I was pleased with the fair hearing Minister Ryall gave me regarding the importance of this project given the dilapidated state of the present ward and the cramped conditions in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Mr Ryall did reinforce the importance of the new Southern DHB continuing on its path to financial viability,” said Mr Woodhouse.

“Likely savings in governance costs is a consequence of the merger of the Otago and Southland District Health Boards and of the nine PHOs into a single PHO, together with other back office efficiencies, are positive signs that the Southern DHB understands the Government’s expectations in this regard.”

Mr Woodhouse’s family has had direct experience of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

“My youngest daughter spent three days in the NICU at the time of her birth in 2006,” said Mr Woodhouse.

“Although only a short period of time compared with other families it was nevertheless an excellent insight into the extremely difficult conditions doctors and nurses face in the NICU and the amazing work they do notwithstanding those conditions.

“This simply can't continue and I have made strong representations to Minister Ryall.

“I’m optimistic that this has been listened to and a positive announcement for the children’s ward and NICU will be made” said Mr Woodhouse.

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MP announces government funding for RIDSS

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:27:48 +1200

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27 May 2010

National MP Michael Woodhouse has announced that the Government has approved the $2.3 million expansion to the Regional Intellectual Disability Secure Service (RIDSS) at Wakari Hospital in Dunedin.

Mr Woodhouse said, "I have been advised by the Ministers of Finance and Health that they have agreed to fund the expansion of the RIDSS facility."

"There will be a new unit built with four medium-secure beds, and there will be modifications to the existing 13 bed facility including an upgrade of the security of the building."

"The facility provides court ordered compulsory care for people with intellectual disabilities. In the past there have not been enough beds to meet demand for hospital level beds in the South Island."

"It is estimated that the expansion will mean an extra 14.8 full time equivalent staff required."

The business case for the expansion was submitted by the Otago District Health Board, before it merged with the Southland District Health Board to form the Southern DHB.

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MP encouraged by Otago DHB results

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:46:23 +1200

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20 May 2010

Dunedin-based National MP Michael Woodhouse says he is encouraged by the Otago DHB’s performance in the third quarter results for DHB health targets.

The results measure DHB performances in the Government’s health targets, which are divided into six categories.

“It was extremely encouraging to see the Otago DHB improve in five out of six categories from the last quarter,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“I was especially pleased to see Otago ranked first out of the 21 DHBs for increased immunisation rates.

Otago DHB increased from an 89 per cent immunisation rate for two year olds last quarter to 94 per cent in this quarter, with the national target being 85 per cent.

“It was great to see Otago also improve in the categories of shorter stays in emergency departments, improved access to elective surgery, better diabetes and cardiovascular services, and a huge increase in their performance of better help for smokers to quit,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Nationwide, the results show improvement in five of the Government's six target areas, with the remaining target stable.

“The results show the improvement of frontline services by DHBs and I am very encouraged by Otago’s performance this quarter,” Mr Woodhouse says.

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To view the full results visit http://moh.govt.nz/healthtargets

MPs welcome employment increase in Otago

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:50:22 +1200

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6 May 2010

National MPs Michael Woodhouse and Jacqui Dean welcome news that Otago has shown the biggest regional increase in employment in the year to March.

Employment was up 17,200 to 114,500 in the March year.

“This is great news and shows we are doing well,” Dunedin-based list MP Mr Woodhouse and Waitaki MP Mrs Dean say.

“The anecdotal evidence is that National’s focus on jobs is paying off.

“Last year Otago had a really good winter season. It was longer and more people were employed in tourism and hospitality in particular.

“A key thing is employers are stepping up and taking on Kiwis instead of overseas workers.

“There have been fewer applications for overseas workers, so more New Zealanders got jobs. For example, pruning work in Central Otago.

“We’ve had a longer meatworks season and construction is going well, especially on smaller projects.

“There are pockets like Cromwell where shiploads of product are heading out of the region. One firm is doing aluminium windows for four houses a week.

“And dairy farmers are continuing to employ more people.”

The figures are part of the Household Labour Force Survey which shows the unemployment rate has fallen from 7.7 to 6 per cent in the March quarter.

The number of New Zealanders in work has swelled by 22,000 in the last quarter while the number of those unemployed has fallen by 25,000.

“It is welcome news to see the first drop in the unemployment rate in two years," the MPs say.

"This shows the Government's focus on jobs is paying off.”

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National MP Congratulates Dunedin Police

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:31:38 +1200

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23 April 2010

National Member of Parliament Michael Woodhouse welcomed news of the successful culmination of Operation rocket by Dunedin Police today.

“I have telephoned District Commander Bob Burns, thanked him for his efforts and asked him to pass on my congratulation to Detective Inspector Steve McGregor and the team on a job well done” said Mr Woodhouse.

Operation Rocket was a six month investigation into organised crime in Dunedin, and resulted in the seizure of the Mongrel Mob’s Corstorphine headquarters under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.

“The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act was passed by the National-led Government to give Police more tools in the fight against organised crime and this was a very successful outcome” said Mr Woodhouse. “The Government is committed to ensuring our communities are made safe from these criminals, and I am delighted at the performance of our law enforcement professionals” he said.

“Minister of Police Judith Collins has also contacted me from Turkey expressing her pride in the Dunedin Police, such is the importance of operations like this to the Government” said Mr Woodhouse. “No government has done more than this Government to improve law and order in New Zealand, and that will continue to be our unrelenting focus” he said.

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200 Otago homes insulated in March

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:50:54 +1200

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21 April 2010

More than 200 Otago homes were retrofitted in March under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme, National MP Michael Woodhouse says.

“The 201 retrofits are up on the 161 in February and brings to 1909 the total number of homes in Otago retrofitted with insulation and clean heating since the scheme started in July last year,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“More than 37,500 homes throughout New Zealand have been made warmer, drier, and healthier since the scheme started.

“The proportion of these homes that are in Otago is very promising and I’m glad to see the region taking advantage of the scheme.

“The first nine months of the scheme have easily outpaced projections. We had expected to retrofit 27,500 homes in the first 12 months of the four-year scheme.

"To have 123 houses a day receiving insulation and heating during March means nearly 4000 families will have warmer, healthier homes for the coming winter and the years beyond.

“Of the 37,532 homes retrofitted so far, 60 per cent or 22,365 were low-income households owned or tenanted by Community Service Card holders.

Under the four-year scheme the Government plans to insulate at least 180,000 homes by providing grants of up to $1800 for houses built before 2000 that need ceiling and under-floor insulation or a clean heating device.

Grants of up to a third of the cost of the work are available to all households regardless of income with Community Service Card holders qualifying for a 60 per cent subsidy.

Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart is open to all New Zealanders with houses built before 2000. For more information visit: www.energywise.govt.nz

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Back to the field for National MP

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:23:00 +1200

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16 April 2010

MP Michael Woodhouse returns to refereeing for the first time in nearly two years tomorrow. The Dunedin-based National MP, who has refereed nearly 100 premier and representative fixtures, has been appointed to the Southern V University Premier 2 fixture and Bathgate Park at 1p.m.

“Parliamentary and family commitments prevented any club rugby refereeing during the 2009 season”, said Mr Woodhouse. The sum of my rugby involvement was playing (once) and refereeing (twice) the Parliamentary rugby team” he said.

While expected to be a little rusty, particularly with fitness and speed, Mr Woodhouse was very much looking forward to the fixture. “I expect to be given the usual ‘warm’ reception from players and spectators, but nothing more than the banter experienced in Parliament’s Debating Chamber”, said Mr Woodhouse.

Mr Woodhouse hopes that this will be a the first of ‘a handful’ of appointments this season as time allows. “I’m passionate about rugby and refereeing has been a great way to stay involved over the past 10 years. I hope that can continue, even sporadically”, said Mr Woodhouse.

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More Otago homes made warmer, drier and healthier

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:20:51 +1200

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8 April 2010

More than 320 Otago homes were retrofitted during summer under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme, Dunedin-based National MP Michael Woodhouse says.

“The scheme has been well ahead of projections since it was started in July last year with a total of 1680 Otago homes receiving retrofitted insulation and clean heating,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“Demand has kept up during summer with 161 Otago homes taking advantage of the scheme in February, 162 in January, and 99 in December.

“We have made 33,500 households throughout New Zealand warmer, drier and healthier since the scheme started. This is great news considering we expected to retrofit 27,500 households in the first year of the four-year scheme.”

Under the four-year scheme the Government plans to insulate at least 180,000 homes by providing grants of up to $1800 for houses built before 2000 that need ceiling and under-floor insulation or a clean heating device.

Grants of up to a third of the cost of the work are available to all households regardless of income with Community Service Card holders qualifying for a 60 per cent subsidy.

“It’s a fact that 1600 more people die each winter than in summer. Researchers at the Housing and Health Research Programme at the University of Otago, Wellington think this is largely due to poor houses not protecting us from the cold, wet weather.

“Warm houses lower the risk of being ill and depressed.

“If 180,000 houses are insulated under the current scheme, and half a million people will benefit from improved living conditions, then Otago University health researchers estimate that this programme will have the following benefits:

- It will mean 72,000 days more at school during the winter months, or 373 more child years of education.
- There could be up to 33 per cent fewer respiratory admissions for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

“Given that the cost of the average night in hospital is $950 you can see that this makes sense, even on a purely practical financial basis.”

Of the 33,500 homes retrofitted so far, 60 per cent were properties occupied by low-income tenants.

Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart is open to all New Zealanders with houses built before 2000. For more information visit: www.energywise.govt.nz

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