Otago & Southland Health Bosses Must Listen

“Otago & Southland Health Bosses Must Listen To Southland Senior Doctors Over Merger Proposal”

“Otago and Southland District Health Boards’ bosses must listen to the decision of Southland senior doctors to oppose the proposed merger of the DHBs,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“Southland senior doctors have raised serious concerns that Southland’s health needs risk missing out if they become the ‘poor cousin’ of a much larger organisation. They support improving regional clinical collaboration with Otago but fear that Southland’s voice will be submerged under the merger.”

“If the Otago and Southland DHBs are genuinely committed to clinical leadership as required by the government and by the Time for Quality agreement between the Association and the 21 DHBs, they will significantly factor in the considered advice of Southland senior doctors.”

“The proposed merger should not proceed if it fails to win the ‘hearts and minds’ of health professionals in both DHBs. If the decision is left to health bosses alone it is likely to fail” concluded Mr Powell.

ENDS

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