Maryan
Street
labour.org.nz

Health Spokesperson
5 March 2012

Health Minister Tony Ryall should stop down-playing the pressure he is putting on District Health Boards and take their difficulties in delivering more services on less money seriously, says Labour’s Health spokesperson, Maryan Street.

"It is misleading to trumpet that record amounts of money are going into DHBs when they have not even been given enough to cover ordinary cost increases, let alone take on extra services,” Maryan Street said.

"Prioritising spending is always par for the course in the health sector, but these deliberate government pressures for short-term gain and political advantage are debilitating Boards' ability to provide quality service.

“Mistakes are being made and people are suffering as a result,” Maryan Street said.

"More work in preventative measures and early intervention is required if New Zealanders' health is to improve.

“It is in the long-term interests of New Zealanders to invest in public health and disease prevention. DHBs will benefit further down the line and money is saved in the process.

"Serious mistakes in hospitals are a symptom of pressure and inadequate resourcing. We need long-term strategic thinking in the sector," Maryan Street said.

ENDS

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