Govt Mishandling Health Contributes to Poll Slump

Government Mishandling of Health Contributes to Dramatic Poll Slump
Attention: Health Reporter

Media Statement For Immediate Release,
Thursday 31 august 2006

“government mishandling of health contributes to dramatic poll slump”

“The government’s mishandling of health policy is contributing to its dramatic opinion poll slump,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“According to the poll health is the main issue of concern for New Zealanders.”

“An overriding concern of New Zealanders is that too many patients are being denied access to public hospitals for specialist assessments and treatment. Much of this has to do with resource constraints and workforce shortages. The government is being too arrogant in its attitude towards the positive contribution health professionals can make to address this serious public concern.”

“If the government wants to improve public confidence in the health system it should listen much more to the advice of senior doctors and other health professionals about how to improve it,” concluded Mr Powell.

Ian Powell

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ENDS

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