Dear Sir,

I am writing to correct the headline and some information in yesterday’s front-page article about the KPMG contract. I am sorry it has to be through a Letter to the Editor, as we did try to explain the contract as clearly as we could before the article was printed.

The KPMG contract is to support the timely implementation of BHB projects. It is not remotely close to outsourcing; nor is it paying consultants to come up with a plan.

We undertook a Clinical Services Plan last year, which involved more than 450 staff and community partners, and we have a clear strategic plan with many critical projects to improve care, services and cut costs.

We needed help implementing improvement projects quickly and KPMG had the winning bid from the RFP process.

Given the demographics of our population and the dire issues around healthcare costs, this investment ensures BHB quickly implements projects that make a big difference to our everyday care.

We agree with the sentiment voiced that our staff know a lot of what is needed.

They are indeed very capable and were involved in determining the improvement projects.

KPMG is providing experienced hospital service improvement experts — not financial consultants — who are helping our staff and giving us the capacity to improve services more quickly than we could alone.

Thank you for allowing me the space to clarify.

MICHAEL RICHMOND, MBChB

Chief of Staff/Acting CEO