Health Minister Puts Structural Upheaval Ahead Of Improving People's Health

The new Health Minister is putting structural upheaval of the health system ahead of improving people's health, Opposition Health spokesperson Wyatt Creech said today.

"After the election Annette King claimed her first acts would be to lift immunisation rates, introduce diabetes screening, develop a South Auckland health strategy and cut waiting lists.

"Her first big announcement has nothing to do with improving people's health outcomes. It is only about turning the sector on its head.

"Health professionals and health groups across the country don't want the restructuring.

"The Health Minister's claim she needs to get on with the restructuring to give people certainty are disingenuous.

"The health system will suffer three years of uncertainty with unnecessary restructuring which won't deliver one extra health service.

"The changes have already been criticised by her new board appointee to help guide the restructuring.

"Syd Bradley is right when he says the changes will put pressure on frontline health services."

ENDS

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