Health Minister Chris Hipkins is refusing to say what will happen to the CDHB, following the Director-General of Health’s visit last week.

Dr Ashley Bloomfield met with senior CDHB staff members and the board on Thursday.

He was ordered to fly to Christchurch by Hipkins to get an overview of the issues, after seven senior members quit.

Former executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Ian Powell said Chris Hipkins needed to work to change the direction from his Health Ministry away from this adversarial relationship.

“It’s time to step up Chris. The Board and Crown Monitor are accountable, but the Minister is responsible.”

The Health Minister has refused requests by Newstalk ZB Christchurch, for an interview to discuss the future of the Board.

Instead his office issued a statement:

“It’s clear there are some strained relationships and serious issues that need resolving at Canterbury DHB, including around the recruitment and retention of senior managers.”

“I’m having ongoing conversations with the DHB Chair Sir John Hansen about the best way to address those issues.”

 “Over the weekend I also spoke with the Director-General of Health about his visit last Thursday.”

“It was useful to hear Dr Bloomfield’s feedback following his meetings with Board members, staff and senior managers. I was encouraged to hear that everyone involved wants to find a way forward that puts patients first.”

Last week, Canterbury District Health Board member Jo Kane let loose at ministry officials after a mass exodus of managers.

She said officials needed to “get down here quickly and stop their bullshit rhetoric and bandying around figures that just make them look good.”

Kane said the board was combative and described Chairman Sir John Hansen as a “megalomaniac.”

Hansen has also declined interviews.