CDHB Contracting Out Mental Health Service

No Public Discussion by CDHB on Contracting out Mental Health Service

“The Canterbury District Health Board is not acting as a transparent and democratic public body in bypassing public discussion over the contracting out of the Residential Rehabilitation Service ”, said Nadine Marshall, Secretary of the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE).

She was responding to comments by Minister of Health that “The health system is now more transparent than it has been since area health boards were disbanded. Not only are board meetings now open to the public and media but the Health Ministry regularly publishes up to date material.” Today’s Press.

“By contrast, our researcher has gone through all the minutes of the CDHB board and committee meetings and found no discussion of the RRS issue by the Board since last July (2002)”, said Nadine Marshall. “How can the community have real input and debate if it is not placed on the agenda of meetings and publicised as the Minister clearly intends?”

Nadine Marshall said that although the decision was discussed with consumers of mental health, no public meetings or debate had been held.

“Our Union is raising the issue with Christchurch based Government MPs tomorrow and requesting the Government intervene to stop further privatisation of mental health services”, said Nadine Marshall.

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