NSW: Knowles says sorry for poor health standards =2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2003
NSW: Knowles says sorry for poor health standards =2

The nurses involved said when they met with Mr Knowles in November last year the then-minister
threatened them.

Mr Knowles said he wants the nurses' claims made about his dealings with them tested
in the inquiries announced yesterday by current Health Minister Morris Iemma.

Bret Walker, SC, will head a royal commission-style inquiry into practices at both
hospitals, while the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating
claims of intimidation, the offer of hush money and the shredding of key health records.

"I want for the families and indeed the nurses an opportunity to uncover all the details,"

Mr Knowles said.

"My second point of interest is to recognise there is a dispute between the nurses'
view and mine, and I want that tested."

Asked if he was aware that hospital standards in his own electorate were so poor while
he was health minister, Mr Knowles said: "If there are failures in the system, they are
part of the ongoing work of the government in making sure they are continually improved."

AAP jph/kbw/apm/jlw

KEYWORD: HOSPITALS KNOWLES 2 SYDNEY

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