Labour Must Take A Leaf Out Of DHB's Booklet

Wednesday 28 Jan 2004
Heather Roy
Press Releases -- Health

ACT New Zealand Health Spokesman Heather Roy today urged the Government to follow the example set by Wairarapa District Health Board, which published its booklet `Our Children, Their Health' in a bid to address the Wairarapa's appalling child health statistics.

"Rather than burying its head in the sand, Wairarapa DHB has tried to raise awareness of the problems affecting child health in its area and is bravely trying to confront the issue head-on," Mrs Roy said.

"High level tooth decay, glue ear leading to hearing loss, and terrible violence and child abuse are just some of the problems which have plagued the Wairarapa in recent years - and none relate solely to the health sector.

"Other DHBs should be encouraged to follow in Wairarapa DHB's pro-active footsteps, and Labour itself must begin to adopt a holistic approach to these serious issues - which span health, education and welfare portfolios.

"Rather than compartmentalising the compounding factors endangering children's health, the Government should promote effective communication and action between its appropriate departments and agencies. So far, this is something it has failed to do, leaving Wairarapa DHB with no option but to take the appropriate steps itself," Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

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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