36406 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What is the total cost associated with the Independent Clinical Review of the New Treatment Pathway for Sensitive Claims?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to the attached table.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/5/0/1/QWA_36406_2010-36406-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
36407 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What is the breakdown of the total cost associated with the Independent Clinical Review of the New Treatment Pathway for Sensitive Claims?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 36406 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/c/f/9/QWA_36407_2010-36407-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
36408 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the travel costs associated with the panel members of the Independent Clinical Review of the New Treatment Pathway for Sensitive Claims?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 36406 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/3/6/QWA_36408_2010-36408-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
36409 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the accommodation costs associated with the panel members of the Independent Clinical Review of the New Treatment Pathway for Sensitive Claims?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 36406 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/0/4/c/QWA_36409_2010-36409-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
36410 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: Were extra staff or contractors employed by ACC in conjunction with the Independent Clinical Review of the New Treatment Pathway for Sensitive Claims?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: No extra staff or contractors were employed in conjunction with the Independent Clinical Review.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/d/5/c/QWA_36410_2010-36410-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
30 November 2010
16 November 2010
Recent Sensitive Claims Advisory Group (SCAG) meeting
Information from the New Zealand Christian Counsellors Association
The Sensitive Claims Advisory Group (SCAG) met on the 18th and 19th October in a working session to focus on:http://www.nzcca.org.nz/acc/
* Service issues, gaps and improvements for children and adolescents
* Approaches to mental injury assessment and alternatives to DSM-IV
* Feedback on the implementation of the 16 hours of support
* Support for returning clients
* Sexual abuse provider workforce development needs
Outcomes from the session included:
* Agreement on a number of principles for working with children and adolescents and subsequent recommendations for further service improvement and development.
* Formation of a working party to focus on and progress child and adolescent service improvements. The working party will included representatives from the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists, New Zealand Association of Counsellors, Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers, New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists and Te Ohaakii a Hine - National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together (TOAH-NNEST). The first meeting will be held on 2 December in Wellington. ACC is also investigating a range of possible representatives from the wider sector including health, education, DSAC and Maori and Pacific groups to act as a secondary consultation and advisory group.
* Generation of a range of alternative assessment methods for mental injury which are currently being reviewed by ACC.
* Establishment of a Maori working group to focus on developing culturally appropriate and safe services for Maori with the first meeting on 26 November in Wellington.
* Endorsement for ACC to work closely with the professional bodies representing service providers to establish a process for addressing quality and workforce issues.
* Identification of a preferred approach for working with Pacific people in sensitive claims and discussion regarding the formation of a working group.
11 November 2010
Questions for written answer
35630 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: Has a monitoring group been appointed to oversee the installation of the Independent Review Panel’s Recommendation for the Sensitive Claims Unit and if so when and who are the members, what payments will be made to them and what are their terms of reference?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 35572 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/9/f/8/QWA_35630_2010-35630-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
35674 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the terms of reference for the report that looks “into ACC’s handing of a rape complainant’s case”, as described in the Dominion Post on 11 November 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: On 8 November 2010, at the regular meeting between officials, I asked that ACC report to me on the issue reported in that morning’s Dominion Post. A memorandum, prepared by ACC’s Sensitive Claims Unit staff, was provided to me on 12 November 2010.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/1/d/e/QWA_35674_2010-35674-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 35572 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/9/f/8/QWA_35630_2010-35630-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
35674 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the terms of reference for the report that looks “into ACC’s handing of a rape complainant’s case”, as described in the Dominion Post on 11 November 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: On 8 November 2010, at the regular meeting between officials, I asked that ACC report to me on the issue reported in that morning’s Dominion Post. A memorandum, prepared by ACC’s Sensitive Claims Unit staff, was provided to me on 12 November 2010.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/1/d/e/QWA_35674_2010-35674-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
10 November 2010
National fail women
A blog post from Tumeke! by Bomber Bradbury
Government failing women - Labourhttp://tumeke.blogspot.com/2010/11/national-fail-women.html
The National Government is failing women, Labour MP Sue Moroney says.
The biennial New Zealand Census of Women's Participation 2010, published today, tracks progress, or the lack of it, for women across the corporate and private sectors at governance and management levels.
It says women comprise 32 percent of MPs, 30 percent of Cabinet, 72 percent of teachers and 47 percent of school principals.
There are only three female editors out of the 26 daily newspapers, while 26 percent of the country's judges are women, as are 29 percent of the New Zealand police force.
Although 59 percent of the workers in public service are women, only six out of 34 public service departments have a woman chief executive.
The report identifies a 15.4 percent gender pay gap in the public service, which is greater than the total labour force gender pay gap of 13 per cent.
Equal Opportunities Commissioner Judy McGregor said in some areas women's participation had stalled and was sliding backwards.
It's not just in these stats that we see the National fail women, we see it in their destructive attitudes towards child care and we see it in their forcing Solo Mothers back to work based on flawed voodoo math from the Ideologically stacked Welfare Razor Gang.
The vast majority of NZers stay on welfare for a year, the vast minority stay on the dole for a decade, yet the ideologically stacked Welfare Razor Gang arrived at the $50 billion figure by claiming that if every person on welfare right now stayed on Welfare for their entire lives, as in no one got a job for the rest of their life, THEN and only then would it cost $50 billion.
What makes me so furious about the ideologically stacked Welfare Razor Gang is that they are making up bullshit numbers to justify attacking the most vulnerable in NZ while John Key hands over tax cuts to those who are already rich. Forcing solo mothers, the mentally unwell, the sick and the crippled back to work based on bullshit numbers is an obscenity.
Many of these users of Welfare are women so they are being let down at the bottom and at the top by National Party policy.
One way the Government are really letting women down though is with their despicable decision to cut ACC funded counselling for victims of sex crimes. Despite a damning report on the bullshit ‘Massey Guidelines’ policy ACC is still continuing to deny women counseling services for rape with no monitoring system put in place despite promises by Nick Smith and ACC to do it.
John Key appealed to female voters last election in the midst of the repeal of section 59 hysteria, now woman can see the reality of National's policy it will be interesting to see if they are still enthralled by him.
09 November 2010
Questions for written answer
35572 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: Has a monitoring
group been appointed to oversee the implementation of the Independent
Review Panel’s Recommendation for the Sensitive Claims Unit and if so
when and who are the members, what payments will be made to them and
what are their terms of reference?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: The ACC Board has invited Dr Barbara Disley, Chair of the Independent Review Panel, to monitor the development and implementation of the recommendations in the Panel’s report after six and eighteen months. The terms of reference are currently being drafted and payment arrangements negotiated.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/8/8/QWA_35572_2010-35572-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
35388 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: How many ACC approved psychiatrists are currently being paid in relation to Sensitive Claims Unit claims - by headcount and/or full time equivalent and is there any change in this number since 8 July; if so, by how many?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: In October 2010, ACC paid 47 providers under the Psychiatrist contract for Sensitive Claims. This is compared to June 2010, when ACC paid 49 providers under the Psychiatrist contract for Sensitive Claims.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/f/d/e/QWA_35388_2010-35388-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
35389 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: Has the Minister or his Officials met with any of the oral submitters to the Independent Clinical Review of the New Treatment Pathway for Sensitive Claims since 6 September 2010: if so, who, broken down by submitter’s name and date?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 25231 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/f/c/QWA_35389_2010-35389-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: The ACC Board has invited Dr Barbara Disley, Chair of the Independent Review Panel, to monitor the development and implementation of the recommendations in the Panel’s report after six and eighteen months. The terms of reference are currently being drafted and payment arrangements negotiated.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/8/8/QWA_35572_2010-35572-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
35388 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: How many ACC approved psychiatrists are currently being paid in relation to Sensitive Claims Unit claims - by headcount and/or full time equivalent and is there any change in this number since 8 July; if so, by how many?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: In October 2010, ACC paid 47 providers under the Psychiatrist contract for Sensitive Claims. This is compared to June 2010, when ACC paid 49 providers under the Psychiatrist contract for Sensitive Claims.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/f/d/e/QWA_35388_2010-35388-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
35389 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: Has the Minister or his Officials met with any of the oral submitters to the Independent Clinical Review of the New Treatment Pathway for Sensitive Claims since 6 September 2010: if so, who, broken down by submitter’s name and date?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 25231 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/f/c/QWA_35389_2010-35389-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
Good news about ACC?
A blog entry from SOSA
Since the report of the Independent Review of the ACC processes came out in September we have not heard much about how the recommendations are going to be implemented. As always, in the vacuum created by lack of information, the brain does what it does best: It fills in the gaps. You could also say, it makes things up. So it is not surprising, that a few conspiracy theories are floating around the country. People are wondering whether ACC is going to take any of the recommendations to heart. Is ACC trying to wear down opponents of the infamous New Clinical Pathway by buying time?Click here to read more.
We have kept our ears to the ground and people have told us the following ...
Smith & Jansen - Lost in Space
Good lord, look what I found - an old photo of Dr Peter Jansen and Nick Smith, back in the good old days when, lost in space, was just a harmless television show and not an actual ACC procedure. Amazing what Goggle pops up with these days but... seriously... this does explain a few quirky features of our infamous tax-funded-insurance company...Read more here
08 November 2010
Shut down ACC's Sensitive Claims Unit
A press release from Access Support Services
Last year ACC’s Sensitive Claims Unit (SCU), based in Wellington, implemented its new clinical pathways for claimants suffering from the effects of sexual abuse. It also adopted the so-called “tough love” policy drafted by one of its senior officials, Phil Riley, who set out a strategy on how to exit claimants from the Scheme, including suspending entitlements.http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1011/S00087/shutdown-accs-sensitive-claims-unit.htm
The consequence of these two policies is that the SCU often requires rape victims to undergo multiple physiatrist assessments or risk having entitlements suspended or not provided at all. This heavy handed approach has a re-traumatising effect on victims of sexual abuse.
SCU’s approach is highlighted in a story on stuff.co.nz (8/11/10), where it reports ACC has unlawfully refused to implement a binding review decision directing the corporation to reinstate a rape victim’s entitlements.
“We believe SCU senior and technical staff have consistently demonstrated they are not up to the job, including its senior medical advisor Dr Peter Jansen,” says Mr Wadsworth. “Now it’s time for ACC to shutdown the dysfunctional unit.”
Over the last year Access Support Services has regularly expressed our concerns over the way the SCU manage sexual abuse claims. Now ACC’s claims management business manager Sue North is defending its refusal to implement a binding review decision.
“ACC’s senior management responsible for adopting Phil Riley’s tough love strategy and implementing the new clinical pathways need to take a good hard look at themselves, even if they are under enormous political pressure from the National-led Government,” says Mr Wadsworth.“This is not what the ACC scheme is suppose to be about.”
ACC refuses to comply with review
An article from the The Dominion Post by Phil Kitchin
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/4318021/ACC-refuses-to-comply-with-review
ACC has been accused of breaking the law by refusing to comply with a review ordering it to reinstate rehabilitation for a rape complainant.© 2010 Fairfax New Zealand Ltd
The woman said she was making good progress under the Accident Compensation Corporation "training for independence" programme – until the corporation cut her from the programme last October.
She later successfully challenged the decision, with reviewer Rex Woodhouse concluding ACC "was wrong in suspending the applicant's ongoing entitlements". He quashed ACC's decision in July and said the corporation "must now reinstate the applicant's entitlements".
But ACC has told the woman, whose name is suppressed, that she must be assessed by another psychiatrist – at least the fourth different psychiatrist since her claim was accepted by ACC.
This comes as the Government considers whether to lower levies for taxpayers in return for reduced benefits.
The woman's Wellington lawyer, Johanne Greally, said ACC was breaking the law and trying to change the rules. Until ACC cut the woman from the independence programme in October last year, her only entitlement was that programme, Mrs Greally said. "The review did not tell ACC to give her another psychiatrist and then look at her entitlements ... ACC are bound by the reviewer's decision. That's the law."
ACC's website says a decision by a review "is binding on all parties involved".
The rape complainant said she felt as if ACC had put her on "a torture wheel ... all I wanted was the people back who were helping me to recover till they just stopped everything".
Under the training programme the woman, who alleged she was raped in 2002 when she was studying law, was helped by a range of therapists, including a psychologist and occupational therapist.
The man accused of rape was acquitted but ACC accepted that the woman had been violated.
Reports from the therapists said the woman was making progress and specialist ACC lawyer John Miller said her resistance to having to see another psychiatrist was not unusual. "There is almost an element of re-victimisation every time a sexual abuse victim has to go through another assessment ... it can be retraumatising."
It was "an abuse of the legal process" for ACC to refuse to abide by a review decision "and it almost seems like a vindictive response to losing a review".
If ACC wanted another assessment, it should reinstate the entitlements, then ask for a fresh assessment, Mr Miller said.
In the last assessment of the woman two years ago, Nelson psychiatrist Alan Doris said that, at the time of the alleged rape, the woman was a bright, independent law student who was also running a business. There was no evidence to "indicate the presence of a mental disorder prior to the rape". The woman now suffers from a range of disorders including eating problems and high levels of anxiety.
But at the review, ACC's lawyer relied on a "provisional" assessment from another psychiatrist whose opinion pre-dated Dr Doris's report by two years. The review said ACC did not have evidence for its view that the woman's health problems were not a result of the rape.
ACC claims management business manager Sue North said the woman was covered by ACC but, because the review questioned the basis on which ACC made its decision, the corporation wanted another assessment. "We cancelled the training she was previously getting because we felt it really wasn't helping. It makes no sense to restore the training before this assessment is done ... we believe our approach is reasonable."
Meanwhile, ACC Minister Nick Smith is considering a report suggesting lowering earners' levies, but at the cost of higher medical fees, longer waits and lower compensation sums. It could mean reducing fees for motorists with good safety records.
Labour leader Phil Goff has labelled the suggestion a move towards privatisation by "stealth".
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/4318021/ACC-refuses-to-comply-with-review
06 November 2010
Clients feel pain of ACC cuts
An article from the New Zealand Herald by Martin Johnston and Simon Collins
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10685673
Physiotherapy claims paid for by ACC have slumped by nearly a quarter, reflecting the social insurer's sharp cut backs in health treatment - at a time when New Zealand's rate of injuries is continuing to climb.Copyright 2010 APN Holdings NZ Ltd
The Government-directed strike at cover by the Accident Compensation Corporation has borne rich financial fruit at the Crown-owned entity, with a 6 per cent drop in spending on claims in the June year.
ACC chairman John Judge, controversially appointed last year during what the Opposition asserted were exaggerated claims of a financial crisis at the corporation, has trumpeted its $2.5 billion surplus for the last financial year. "This means that rather than the $12.8 billion net liability at the start of this financial year," he writes in the 2009/10 annual report, "the Scheme now has a $10.3 billion net liability. This is a remarkable turnaround and a real credit to all of ACC's staff."
He might have - but didn't - give credit to senior official Phil Riley, whose 2009 work on the corporation's ideological shift, from "social insurer" to "insurer", from interventionism to safety-net provider, coincided with a large shift of long-term recipients of ACC's weekly compensation to Government welfare benefits.
This shift involved 1956 people in the latest June year, up from 764 two years earlier, according to official figures supplied to Greens MP Kevin Hague.
This increase of nearly 1200 people moving from long-stay compo to welfare nearly matched the reduction - highlighted by ACC - in its tally of long-stay compo claimants in 2009/10. The tally stood at around 13,100 in June, down from a peak of about 14,400 at this time last year.
More cuts are coming.
ACC has promised the Government it will slash the number receiving weekly compensation long-term by at least a further 1150 people by next June.
Denise Powell, the head of claimants support group ACClaim Otago, said many long-term claimants who were bumped off the system ended up not getting even a welfare benefit because their partner worked. "It's certainly having a huge impact psychologically on quite a few of our members. We've had several people who have had suicide attempts relating to the pressure they have been put under."
In healthcare, the most noticeable reductions have been in GP care and physiotherapy - because these are numerically and financially the biggest sectors funded by ACC (although these patients are generally levied a co-payment).
Paid physio claims reduced by 23 per cent in the year to September, after ACC ended the free-to-the-patient system that ran at many physio practices last November. Patients now generally face a physio co-payment of around $17 for a first consultation covered by ACC.
But some of the greatest misery for rejected patients is likely to be in the elective surgery category and especially in shoulder surgery, where a new, hard-nosed policy has forced many on to public hospital waiting lists. Others will have paid privately or turned to their private health insurer.
Advocates and lawyers who represent aggrieved ACC claimants say they noticed a big increase in rejections of surgery applications last year and a consequent increase in the number of cases being taken through the review process.
Reviews shot up last year to 9182, from just under 6000 the year before - and the number of claimants whose review applications succeeded rose at the same rate, according to Government figures supplied to Labour.
The proportion of surgery claims that were rejected rose to 20 per cent last year, from 12 per cent the year before.
Nelson-based advocate David Wadsworth, of Access Support Services, said, "It tells us their decision-making is flawed. Once they have made a decision, no matter what evidence we provide, they won't change their decision."
Previously ACC had often backed down when given strong evidence its decision was wrong.
"We believe, especially in terms of surgery, that they are playing a numbers game. Only so many people will have the wherewithal to go through the review process."
This view is also held by Christchurch orthopaedic surgeon Gary Hooper, the president of the Orthopaedic Association. He said ACC was turning many older people down simply because they were older, which was taken to indicate their condition was largely related to wear and tear and ageing, rather than an injury.
He cited a patient turned down for shoulder surgery after he grabbed at a railing when a ladder slipped while he was painting his house. The rotator cuff tendon was torn, a condition which can cause pain and decreased function.
It has a more than 90 per cent chance of cure if repaired surgically, but if left, the tear can increase in size and become inoperable. The patient was 87, but Mr Hooper said he "looks about 60 - physiologically he's about 60". ACC said he had underlying changes in his shoulder.
"There's nothing on any radiology investigations that support that contention.
"The primary reason he was turned down is that he's 87."
A leading shoulder and elbow surgeon, Khalid Mohammed, said entitlement to rotator cuff surgery was a difficult area to define because the tendon was subject to wear and tear and ageing.
ACC legislation specifically withholds cover for injuries that are "wholly or substantially" - usually taken to mean "largely" - caused by ageing.
A member of a group of surgeons negotiating with ACC to resolve the shoulder cover difficulties, Mohammed undertook a comprehensive review of scientific studies to determine the reliability of x-ray and other imaging results which had been used in deciding whether shoulder changes were in fact longstanding or degenerative.
"Sometimes certain imaging findings ... have been used as evidence to decline a case which I feel should have entitlement.
"My article was to look at the validity of those findings in detail."
The results? "There are some findings on imaging studies that do indicate that there have been significant problems for a long period of time.
"And there are other findings that in the past have been suggested as associated with a degenerative process which do not, in effect, have any accurate or relevant bearing on that."
He had given his findings to ACC and believed they had produced a change. "I feel there has been some improvements ... in the decline rate decreasing recently for shoulders."
There are also concerns about the scope of practice of some of the medical practitioners ACC relies on for advice to determine cover, partly because surgery has become so highly sub-specialised. Often these opinions are just two sentences long.
Mr Wadsworth said many of the ACC-sourced medical opinions that had been used to reject his clients' claims looked very similar to each other. "There's one particular one that keeps coming up ... He was writing one-line opinions.
"He was almost cut-and-pasting from one to another - the same opinion and changing the person's name and maybe one or two words."
The Government quietly acknowledged that ACC's tightening up on surgery approvals would shift patients on to public hospital waiting lists.
In the Budget this year, Health Minister Tony Ryall announced "an extra $59.5 million for elective surgery over the next four years", and that public hospitals had done even better than he had asked at increasing their volumes of elective surgery.
But it later emerged in a Ryall cabinet paper that $40 million of the money was to cater for patients being declined by ACC and who were now causing "increasing waiting times" on public hospital lists.
Subsequently, officials have expressed uncertainty about the size of this ACC to public hospital shift.
One area in which ACC has partially backed down is on claims by victims of sexual abuse.
Following an outcry, the corporation in August announced that although the restrictions it introduced last year were in line with its legislation, it acknowledged this had "exposed gaps" in services and it would provide extra support.
Labour's ACC spokesman David Parker said the corporation had become too tough. "The tough attitude in terms of saying no and expecting people to fight for their rights seems to have become more prevalent."
But ACC Minister Nick Smith said the Government had had little choice but to pull ACC, which it viewed as a social insurance scheme, back from its "slippage" since 2004.
It had to balance the costs of ACC to business, households and motorist with the rights of genuine accident victims. "There was a 57 per cent increase in claim costs from 2004 to 2008, five times the rate of inflation. That was unsustainable."
He said this had been masked under Labour by the booming share and property markets, which had given ACC a misplaced complacency over ballooning claims growth.
Long-term weekly compensation claimant numbers were back down to their 2005 level.
Physio claims went from 373,000 in 2004, to 477,000 in 2008, and with the re-expansion of patient part-charges, this was expected to drop back to about 390,000 this year. "If you look at elective surgery, the number ... this year is more than in 2005 and 2006, but those numbers increased by 30 per cent.
"The very clear instructions I have given to ACC are that they need to meet their costs when they clearly are an accident, but they should not be allowing drift from other public or social services such as Welfare or Health into ACC."
Review numbers had risen from roughly around 600 cases a month, to 800, "a small increase".
But ACC was winning a large majority, and this was virtually unchanged.
ACC'S ELECTIVE SURGERY BILL
In the latest six-month period, ACC paid for:
* 2385 fewer operations than it did two years ago.
* January-June 2008: 20,679 operations
* January-June 2010: 18,294 operations
* Reduction: 11 per cent
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10685673
02 November 2010
John Key's new threshold for compassion in a recession
A blog entry from Tumeke! by Bomber Bradbury
ACC denied funeral claimhttp://tumeke.blogspot.com/2010/11/john-keys-new-threshold-for-compassion.html
Distraught about losing their son, a Palmerston North couple have hit out at the lack of help available to the mentally ill or to families of people who commit suicide.
ACC’s decision to deny any claims by families for suicide funeral costs as the National Party don’t consider suicide an accident is just another example of how John Key can find money for tax cuts that benefit the rich while denying funding for people in need.
This despicable, petty, nasty little cost cutting measure is simply another example of John Key’s new threshold of compassion during a recession, forget media rules covering suicides John, how about some help to cover funeral costs for the families impacted by the highest suicide rates in the OECD? Just like National’s decision to cut ACC funded counseling to rape victims which despite a damning report on the bullshit ‘Massey Guidelines’ policy is still continuing to deny women counseling services for rape with no monitoring system put in place despite promises by Nick Smith and ACC to do it.
And why haven’t any of you heard about denying the families of suicide victims any funeral costs and denying people counseling for rape in the TV news? Because apparently those issues aren’t as interesting as the death of a psychic octopus.
Denying women counselling for rape and suicide funeral costs, how's that 'change' feeling folks?
01 November 2010
Questions for written answer
34755 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers for the Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for November 2009 as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to the attached table which shows all new sensitive claims lodged with ACC from November 2009 to October 2010, by region of injury, and the claim's current decision status. Please note that some numbers have changed since the last time this information was reported. This is due to claims being re-classified and either added to or removed from, the sensitive claims pool.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/1/4/9/QWA_34755_2010-34755-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34756 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers for the how many Sensitive Claims were lodged, and how many did ACC approve and decline in November and December 2009 and January and February 2010, by region as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 34755 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/a/f/QWA_34756_2010-34756-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34757 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers for the how many Sensitive Claims were lodged, and how many did ACC approve and decline in March, April and May 2010, by region as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34756 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/9/2/1/QWA_34757_2010-34757-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34758 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for May 2010 as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34756 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/8/9/2/QWA_34758_2010-34758-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34759 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for April 2010 as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34756 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/e/5/c/QWA_34759_2010-34759-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34760 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for March 2010 as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34756 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/d/4/QWA_34760_2010-34760-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34761 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for June 2010 as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34756 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/d/c/5/QWA_34761_2010-34761-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34762 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: How many letters, if any, has the Minister received raising concerns about Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit, since 22 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I have received 8 letters about the Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit, since 22 July 2010.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/0/7/4/QWA_34762_2010-34762-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34763 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: How many emails has the Minister received raising concerns about Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit, if any, since 22 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I have received approximately 14 emails about Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit since 22 July 2010.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/1/4/7/QWA_34763_2010-34763-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34764 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What correspondence, if any, has the Minister received raising concerns about Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit, since 22 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: To answer this question would require substantial work. If the member requires specific information I would be happy to provide it.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/2/2/2/QWA_34764_2010-34764-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34765 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What briefings have the Minister received in regard to the Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit, by date and title, since 22 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: There are other more appropriate avenues for the Member to pursue this information.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/f/0/QWA_34765_2010-34765-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34766 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What meetings has the Minister had regarding to the Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit since 22 July 2010, by date?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I frequently meet with officials to discuss ACC-related issues including issues related to Sensitive Claims.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/4/6/QWA_34766_2010-34766-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34767 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What papers, if any, has the Minister taken to Cabinet in regard to the Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit since 22 July 2010, by date and title?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: Since 22 July 2010 I have not taken any papers to Cabinet regarding Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/3/9/QWA_34767_2010-34767-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34768 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What, if any, oral reports relating to Sensitive Claims and/or the Sensitive Claims Pathway has he received since 22 July 2010, by date and title?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I frequently receive oral reports relating to ACC-related issues including issues related to Sensitive Claims.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/e/7/5/QWA_34768_2010-34768-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34769 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What, if any, written reports relating to Sensitive Claims and/or the Sensitive Claims Pathway has he received since 22 July 2010, by date and title?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: There are other more appropriate avenues for the Member to pursue this information.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/8/6/7/QWA_34769_2010-34769-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34770 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What, if any, papers did the Minister take to Cabinet, relating to Sensitive Claims and or ACC’s Sensitive Claims Unit, since 22 July 2010, by date and title?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: Since 22 July 2010 I have not taken any papers to Cabinet on Sensitive Claims and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/5/2/QWA_34770_2010-34770-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34771 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What committees, taskforces, or other work groups, if any, has he or his officials established since 22 July 2010, relating to Sensitive Claims?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: Since the announcement of the 16 hours of support sessions on 16 August 2010, and the subsequent release of the Independent Panel’s report, ACC has been actively working with the Sensitive Claims Advisory Group (SCAG) to address the issues and concerns raised in the report and to ensure the implementation of the recommendations. As a result, three priority areas of focus have been agreed:
• Work on the development of approaches to Maori, children and adolescents,
• Work on alterations to DSM IV; and
• Work on improving counsellor capability and capacity.
Sub-committees of SCAG have been established and work is underway on these priority areas. In addition, ACC has met with representatives from relevant Government agencies to progress the recommendations in the report. These agencies include: Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Development, Child Youth and Family, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/8/0/0/QWA_34771_2010-34771-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34772 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What, if any, meetings did the Minister have with lobby groups since 22 July 2010, by date and group relating to Sensitive Claims?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: It is difficult to define "lobby groups". I have been approached by a number of people with an interest in sensitive claims since I was appointed Minister, but I have not kept a record of the date of these. The only formal meetings I have had have been with the Independent Review Group.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/9/0/6/QWA_34772_2010-34772-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34773 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: How many, if any, casual staff have been employed by ACC in the Sensitive Claims Unit since 22 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: No casual staff are employed by ACC in the Sensitive Claims Unit. However, ACC has employed six temporary workers since 22 July 2010. Three finished employment in September 2010, one will finish in November 2010, and the last two will finish in December 2010.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/1/0/c/QWA_34773_2010-34773-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34774 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What is the cost of all contractors hired by ACC’s Sensitive Claims Unit, per week, as broken down by individual contractor since 8 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to the attached table. A contractor is defined as a person employed on a contract for services basis, in that they provide services to an employer but are not employees: they are self-employed or employed by a third party.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/f/d/c/QWA_34774_2010-34774-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34775 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What advice has the Minister sought or received to deal with the implications of the current economic downturn for this portfolio in relation to the Sensitive Claims Unit since 22 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: The advice I have received on sensitive claims has not been in the context of the economic downturn but has been focused on best clinical practice.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/a/0/QWA_34775_2010-34775-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34786 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers for how many cases of sexual abuse reported in 2008, by region and gender, have received support from the Sensitive Claims Unit?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 8420 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/d/3/a/QWA_34786_2010-34786-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34787 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers for how many cases of sexual abuse reported in 2009, by region and gender, have received support from the Sensitive Claims Unit?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 8420 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/6/c/QWA_34787_2010-34787-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34788 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers for how many cases of sexual abuse reported in 2010, by region and gender, have received support from the Sensitive Claims Unit?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 8420 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/a/2/1/QWA_34788_2010-34788-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34789 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: To date for 2010 what is the average payout by the Sensitive Claims Unit, my month and region?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: For the purpose of this question, ACC has defined a payout as being the average total expenditure per month per sensitive claim which received payment in the month. This figure covers all payments for a claim, such as medical fees, counselling, weekly compensation, lump sums and independence allowances. The table attached shows the average amount spent on a sensitive claim in each month in 2010 as at 30 October 2010 (excluding those claims for which no payments were made). This information is for all sensitive claims regardless of when the claim was lodged. It also includes payments made for declined claims.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/6/8/a/QWA_34789_2010-34789-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34790 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: Has the Minister discussed the Independent Clinical Review of the New Treatment Pathway for Sensitive Claims with any of his Ministerial colleagues since 6 September 2010, if so who and on what dates?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I discuss many different ACC-related issues with my Ministerial colleagues including issues relating to sensitive claims.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/8/7/QWA_34790_2010-34790-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34791 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: Has the Minister discussed the Independent Clinical Review of the New Treatment Pathway for Sensitive Claims with any of his parliamentary colleagues since 6 September 2010, if so who and on what dates?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I discuss many different ACC-related issues with my Parliamentary colleagues including issues relating to sensitive claims.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/4/d/QWA_34791_2010-34791-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34792 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for March 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 34755 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/0/a/a/QWA_34792_2010-34792-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34793 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for April 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/9/e/QWA_34793_2010-34793-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34794 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for May 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/a/c/QWA_34794_2010-34794-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34795 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for June 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/c/a/c/QWA_34795_2010-34795-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34796 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/0/1/QWA_34796_2010-34796-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34797 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers, as at 29 October 2010, for the how many Sensitive Claims were lodged, and how many did ACC approve and decline in March, April and May 2010, by region?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/c/3/a/QWA_34797_2010-34797-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34798 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers, as at 29 October 2010, for the Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for November 2009
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/a/0/QWA_34798_2010-34798-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34799 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers, as at 29 October 2010, for the how many Sensitive Claims were lodged, and how many did ACC approve and decline in November and December 2009 and January and February 2010, by region?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/a/5/9/QWA_34799_2010-34799-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34800 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of sensitive claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for claims decision and duplicate, by region for November 2009?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/8/d/4/QWA_34800_2010-34800-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34801 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers of sensitive claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for claims decision and duplicate, by region for August, September and October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/5/5/7/QWA_34801_2010-34801-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34802 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of sensitive claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for claims decision and duplicate, by region for March 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/f/0/9/QWA_34802_2010-34802-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34803 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of sensitive claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for claims decision and duplicate, by region for April 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/a/b/QWA_34803_2010-34803-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34804 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of sensitive claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for claims decision and duplicate, by region for May 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/a/d/5/QWA_34804_2010-34804-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34805 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of how many sensitive claims were lodged, and how many did ACC approve and decline in March, April and May 2010, by region?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/d/3/6/QWA_34805_2010-34805-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34806 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of how many sensitive claims were lodged, and how many did ACC approve and decline in November and December 2009 and January and February 2010, by region?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/6/d/4/QWA_34806_2010-34806-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to the attached table which shows all new sensitive claims lodged with ACC from November 2009 to October 2010, by region of injury, and the claim's current decision status. Please note that some numbers have changed since the last time this information was reported. This is due to claims being re-classified and either added to or removed from, the sensitive claims pool.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/1/4/9/QWA_34755_2010-34755-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34756 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers for the how many Sensitive Claims were lodged, and how many did ACC approve and decline in November and December 2009 and January and February 2010, by region as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 34755 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/a/f/QWA_34756_2010-34756-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34757 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers for the how many Sensitive Claims were lodged, and how many did ACC approve and decline in March, April and May 2010, by region as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34756 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/9/2/1/QWA_34757_2010-34757-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34758 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for May 2010 as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34756 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/8/9/2/QWA_34758_2010-34758-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34759 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for April 2010 as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34756 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/e/5/c/QWA_34759_2010-34759-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34760 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for March 2010 as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34756 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/d/4/QWA_34760_2010-34760-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34761 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for June 2010 as at 29 October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34756 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/d/c/5/QWA_34761_2010-34761-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34762 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: How many letters, if any, has the Minister received raising concerns about Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit, since 22 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I have received 8 letters about the Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit, since 22 July 2010.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/0/7/4/QWA_34762_2010-34762-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34763 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: How many emails has the Minister received raising concerns about Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit, if any, since 22 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I have received approximately 14 emails about Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit since 22 July 2010.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/1/4/7/QWA_34763_2010-34763-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34764 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What correspondence, if any, has the Minister received raising concerns about Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit, since 22 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: To answer this question would require substantial work. If the member requires specific information I would be happy to provide it.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/2/2/2/QWA_34764_2010-34764-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34765 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What briefings have the Minister received in regard to the Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit, by date and title, since 22 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: There are other more appropriate avenues for the Member to pursue this information.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/f/0/QWA_34765_2010-34765-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34766 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What meetings has the Minister had regarding to the Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit since 22 July 2010, by date?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I frequently meet with officials to discuss ACC-related issues including issues related to Sensitive Claims.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/4/6/QWA_34766_2010-34766-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34767 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What papers, if any, has the Minister taken to Cabinet in regard to the Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit since 22 July 2010, by date and title?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: Since 22 July 2010 I have not taken any papers to Cabinet regarding Sensitive Claims pathway and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/3/9/QWA_34767_2010-34767-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34768 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What, if any, oral reports relating to Sensitive Claims and/or the Sensitive Claims Pathway has he received since 22 July 2010, by date and title?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I frequently receive oral reports relating to ACC-related issues including issues related to Sensitive Claims.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/e/7/5/QWA_34768_2010-34768-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34769 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What, if any, written reports relating to Sensitive Claims and/or the Sensitive Claims Pathway has he received since 22 July 2010, by date and title?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: There are other more appropriate avenues for the Member to pursue this information.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/8/6/7/QWA_34769_2010-34769-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34770 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What, if any, papers did the Minister take to Cabinet, relating to Sensitive Claims and or ACC’s Sensitive Claims Unit, since 22 July 2010, by date and title?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: Since 22 July 2010 I have not taken any papers to Cabinet on Sensitive Claims and/or the Sensitive Claims Unit.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/5/2/QWA_34770_2010-34770-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34771 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What committees, taskforces, or other work groups, if any, has he or his officials established since 22 July 2010, relating to Sensitive Claims?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: Since the announcement of the 16 hours of support sessions on 16 August 2010, and the subsequent release of the Independent Panel’s report, ACC has been actively working with the Sensitive Claims Advisory Group (SCAG) to address the issues and concerns raised in the report and to ensure the implementation of the recommendations. As a result, three priority areas of focus have been agreed:
• Work on the development of approaches to Maori, children and adolescents,
• Work on alterations to DSM IV; and
• Work on improving counsellor capability and capacity.
Sub-committees of SCAG have been established and work is underway on these priority areas. In addition, ACC has met with representatives from relevant Government agencies to progress the recommendations in the report. These agencies include: Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Development, Child Youth and Family, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/8/0/0/QWA_34771_2010-34771-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34772 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What, if any, meetings did the Minister have with lobby groups since 22 July 2010, by date and group relating to Sensitive Claims?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: It is difficult to define "lobby groups". I have been approached by a number of people with an interest in sensitive claims since I was appointed Minister, but I have not kept a record of the date of these. The only formal meetings I have had have been with the Independent Review Group.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/9/0/6/QWA_34772_2010-34772-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34773 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: How many, if any, casual staff have been employed by ACC in the Sensitive Claims Unit since 22 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: No casual staff are employed by ACC in the Sensitive Claims Unit. However, ACC has employed six temporary workers since 22 July 2010. Three finished employment in September 2010, one will finish in November 2010, and the last two will finish in December 2010.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/1/0/c/QWA_34773_2010-34773-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34774 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What is the cost of all contractors hired by ACC’s Sensitive Claims Unit, per week, as broken down by individual contractor since 8 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to the attached table. A contractor is defined as a person employed on a contract for services basis, in that they provide services to an employer but are not employees: they are self-employed or employed by a third party.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/f/d/c/QWA_34774_2010-34774-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34775 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What advice has the Minister sought or received to deal with the implications of the current economic downturn for this portfolio in relation to the Sensitive Claims Unit since 22 July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: The advice I have received on sensitive claims has not been in the context of the economic downturn but has been focused on best clinical practice.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/a/0/QWA_34775_2010-34775-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34786 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers for how many cases of sexual abuse reported in 2008, by region and gender, have received support from the Sensitive Claims Unit?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 8420 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/d/3/a/QWA_34786_2010-34786-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34787 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers for how many cases of sexual abuse reported in 2009, by region and gender, have received support from the Sensitive Claims Unit?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 8420 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/6/c/QWA_34787_2010-34787-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34788 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers for how many cases of sexual abuse reported in 2010, by region and gender, have received support from the Sensitive Claims Unit?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 8420 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/a/2/1/QWA_34788_2010-34788-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34789 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: To date for 2010 what is the average payout by the Sensitive Claims Unit, my month and region?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: For the purpose of this question, ACC has defined a payout as being the average total expenditure per month per sensitive claim which received payment in the month. This figure covers all payments for a claim, such as medical fees, counselling, weekly compensation, lump sums and independence allowances. The table attached shows the average amount spent on a sensitive claim in each month in 2010 as at 30 October 2010 (excluding those claims for which no payments were made). This information is for all sensitive claims regardless of when the claim was lodged. It also includes payments made for declined claims.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/6/8/a/QWA_34789_2010-34789-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34790 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: Has the Minister discussed the Independent Clinical Review of the New Treatment Pathway for Sensitive Claims with any of his Ministerial colleagues since 6 September 2010, if so who and on what dates?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I discuss many different ACC-related issues with my Ministerial colleagues including issues relating to sensitive claims.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/8/7/QWA_34790_2010-34790-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34791 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: Has the Minister discussed the Independent Clinical Review of the New Treatment Pathway for Sensitive Claims with any of his parliamentary colleagues since 6 September 2010, if so who and on what dates?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I discuss many different ACC-related issues with my Parliamentary colleagues including issues relating to sensitive claims.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/4/d/QWA_34791_2010-34791-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34792 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for March 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Parliamentary Question for Written Answer 34755 (2010).
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/0/a/a/QWA_34792_2010-34792-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34793 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for April 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/9/e/QWA_34793_2010-34793-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34794 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for May 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/a/c/QWA_34794_2010-34794-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34795 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for June 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/c/a/c/QWA_34795_2010-34795-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34796 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for July 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/0/1/QWA_34796_2010-34796-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34797 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers, as at 29 October 2010, for the how many Sensitive Claims were lodged, and how many did ACC approve and decline in March, April and May 2010, by region?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/c/3/a/QWA_34797_2010-34797-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34798 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers, as at 29 October 2010, for the Sensitive Claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for Claims decision and duplicate, by region for November 2009
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/7/a/0/QWA_34798_2010-34798-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34799 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the updated numbers, as at 29 October 2010, for the how many Sensitive Claims were lodged, and how many did ACC approve and decline in November and December 2009 and January and February 2010, by region?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/a/5/9/QWA_34799_2010-34799-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34800 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of sensitive claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for claims decision and duplicate, by region for November 2009?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/8/d/4/QWA_34800_2010-34800-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34801 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers of sensitive claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for claims decision and duplicate, by region for August, September and October 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/5/5/7/QWA_34801_2010-34801-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34802 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of sensitive claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for claims decision and duplicate, by region for March 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/f/0/9/QWA_34802_2010-34802-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34803 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of sensitive claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for claims decision and duplicate, by region for April 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/b/a/b/QWA_34803_2010-34803-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34804 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of sensitive claims, lodged, accepted, declined, awaiting external information, under assessment by ACC for claims decision and duplicate, by region for May 2010?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/a/d/5/QWA_34804_2010-34804-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34805 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of how many sensitive claims were lodged, and how many did ACC approve and decline in March, April and May 2010, by region?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/d/3/6/QWA_34805_2010-34805-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
34806 (2010). Lynne Pillay to the Minister for ACC: What are the numbers, as at 29 October 2010, of how many sensitive claims were lodged, and how many did ACC approve and decline in November and December 2009 and January and February 2010, by region?
Hon Dr Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) replied: I refer the Member to my answer to Question No. 34792 (2010)
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QWA/6/d/4/QWA_34806_2010-34806-2010-Lynne-Pillay-to-the-Minister-for-ACC.htm
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