Plunketline's problems predicted

Thursday 3 Mar 2005

Heather Roy - Press Releases - Health

Young Kiwi parents' worst fears about Labour's merger of Plunketline into Healthline have been realised, ACT Health spokesman Heather Roy said today.

The MP was responding to figures released by Health Minister Annette King that show 87 percent of calls to Plunketline were not handled in January.

"Last year when I revealed that Plunketline was to be absorbed into Healthline, I predicted that the Plunketline service would suffer. Sadly, that prediction has come true," Mrs Roy said.

"Since the merger parents have been reporting that it is harder now than previously to get through, with some reporting long queues and being cut off.

"These figures are shocking and unacceptable. They highlight the fact that Plunketline was an important issue for Annette King and Helen Clark at the 1999 election when they wanted the votes of young parents.

"Now, because they believe that state control is more important, they are happy to sacrifice a unique and trusted family service merely because it is run by a private organisation," Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

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