The new Health Minister is taking matters into his own hands to get his eyes and ears on the ground at Te Whatu Ora.   

Shane Reti's appointing Ken Whelan as the agency's crown observer, to address issues around workforce shortages and hospital wait times.  

Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Tim Dower that it doesn't sound like a ringing vote of confidence from the minister.  

She says it suggests he wants his own line of enquiry and information, as well as and separate from the board and executive leadership team. 

Dalton says staff on the ground need more input into issues facing the sector. 

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