Barbara Stewart MP

Spokesperson for Health
1 December 2016

Hawke’s Bay DHB Goes All Out for Youth, But Govt Must Come to Party

Good on Hawke’s Bay DHB in giving under-18s in selected areas free GP visits, says New Zealand First Health Spokesperson Barbara Stewart.

“The DHB has recognised the healthcare needs of youth, and that the cost of a doctor’s visit is a barrier for many and many turn up for free care at the emergency department.

“The DHB’s move highlights the government’s neglect of youth healthcare. Instead of running a tight health budget and putting pressure on DHBs to meet targets the National government should be ensuring young people are not missing out.

“The government has failed to fully fund the free GP checks for under-13s, leaving practices struggling to meet the demand.

“Hawke’s Bay DHB is near the bottom of the table for ‘Raising Healthy Kids’ Ministry of Health Target, and the DHB move to fund some under-18s is reflected as an effort to improve on the tables.

“The National government favours these health targets over the real picture of health in these regions.

“This puts pressure on DHBs to perform and many people can be left out if their health needs don’t fit within these targets.

“This is yet another example of how out of touch the government is with the real health needs of New Zealanders,” says Mrs Stewart.

ENDS

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