Day of Shame for King

Friday 25 Oct 2002 Heather Roy Press Releases -- Health

The Minister of Health must accept some responsibility for the risk to critically-ill patients who will be flown out of Auckland from tonight because of strike action by hospital radiographers, ACT Health Spokesman Heather Roy said.

"Annette King is a master of double speak. The Minister of Health has told DHBs they have to keep wage increases around two percent, then she's stepped back and expressed her `sympathy' when vital workers strike. With inflation running at 2.6 percent and the potential of three times more earnings overseas where currency has more value, it is little wonder that health professionals feel under valued.

"Are we going to see patients fly to Australia for diagnosis and treatment?

"When DHBs compromise and pay more than two percent, they know that they have to make cuts elsewhere. Ms King has been very careful to pass the buck so she can't be blamed when DHBs make unpopular cuts. As Minister, the ultimate responsibility rests with her," Heather Roy said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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