Health experts are concerned something's missing in an announcement of upcoming health reforms.

The Government's revealed some glimpses of a planned major restructure of the health and disability system, but there's no mention of DHBs.

Last year's Simpson report suggested cutting DHBs to as few as eight within five years.

Health Commentator Ian Powell wasn't a fan - and says it seems the Heath Minister is looking at less centralisation than the report proposed.

"It seems now he has accepted the argument that it would be very destabilising for the system and very counterproductive, and there would be serious political risks."

He told Heather du Plessis-Allan that it doesn't meant that the number of DHB's won't be looked at at some point - but the delaying the change is sensible - with the pressure the system is currently facing a major concern.

"We could do a lot more in this country to prevent the need for people to come to hospitals. That's where the force needs to be." 

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