THURSDAY 15 AUGUST 2002

“Reappointment Of Health Minister Welcomed”

“The re-appointment of Annette King as Minister of Health is welcomed,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“Annette King’s reappointment bucks the trend for health ministers to serve only one term. It is good for senior doctors to have a health minister with a longer term commitment to the health system and who is able to provide continuity. It is nice to know that this health minister does not require potty training.”

“Senior doctors enjoyed a constructive relationship with Annette King during her first term, especially over the past 15 months, despite important sometimes sharp differences. Her strong people-skills were a great asset in what is a people-intensive service. She also came to recognise that she needed a wider source of advice than what her bureaucrats and advisers were able to provide.”

“Despite important differences between us we were always impressed with her willingness to actively work with us and for her respect for the dedication and commitment of health professionals. We wish that more DHB bosses could match that respect.”

“No doubt we will continue to have some differences and debate with Annette King but we are confident based on her track record that this will be conducted within a constructive, collaborative and at times frisky working relationship,” concluded Mr Powell.

Ian Powell

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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