National has broken its promise to protect frontline health services, as its hiring freeze leaves a new intensive care ward at Waitākere Hospital empty, with no staff to open the beds.

“National told New Zealanders its cuts wouldn’t touch the frontline. West Auckland families can see for themselves that was never true,” Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall said.

“There is a brand-new ward at their hospital, and it’s empty because National won’t fund the nurses and clinicians needed to open it.”

The $96 million Manaaki Hōhonu development was funded under Labour to increase hospital capacity for West Auckland, including a new 30-bed medical ward and expanded intensive care facilities.

“Building a hospital ward is pointless if you don’t have the nurses and health professionals to run it. National’s hiring freeze is leaving desperately needed capacity sitting idle while patients wait for care.

“West Auckland deserves better. This community is growing, and people need to know their local hospital will be there when they need it.

“Labour will invest in our public health system, back our health workforce and make sure hospital facilities can be used to care for patients.

“National is cutting costs while communities pay the price in delayed treatment, overcrowded hospitals and families are left worrying about when they’ll get the care they need,” Ayesha Verrall said.