SOPER, Lesley
Kia Ora. I’m Lesley Soper, Invercargill born & bred.
I’m a former elected Deputy Chair of the Southland District Health Board, where I was also Chair Disability Advisory Committee; Chair Kaitiaki Hauora; Member New Hospital Advisory Committee; Member Audit & Risk Committee. I’m also a former MP, and was Deputy Chair of Parliament’s Health Select Committee. I was the carer for my elderly father for 10 years, while working full-time. I have a law degree, and currently work as an ACC Advocate. I’m married to David, a nurse.
I’m committed to seeing a strong public voice back in the SDHB. Some of my priorities are to achieve a comprehensive review of the DHB population-based funding formula to ensure that the SDHB has fair and equitable funding in the first place. In other words, ensuring that we get to the bottom of the $40ml plus deficit, and are getting in the region what we should be getting.
I want to see a new tertiary hospital that serves the whole region, not just Dunedin; and I want to see rural needs properly met in funding and delivery. I want to ensure that Southland Hospital specialist clinics are strengthened, and that ‘super clinics’ are held around the region regularly. That all means an end to ‘postcode health’ across all specialities, and as far as possible equity of access and comparable outcomes region-wide.
The Government’s new Cancer Strategy needs to be locally implemented, and mental health & disability services improved across the region.
I have unique experience to bring from my previous roles. I offer strong governance skills, legal knowledge, experience, commonsense, accountability, financial nous, a commitment to effective communication and consultation; and the ability to work constructively and energetically with others on the restored SDHB.
- Authorised by L Soper, 137 Morton Street, Invercargill 9812