Don’t remove communities’ legal right to have say

Don’t remove communities’ legal right to have their say on health

“The government should reconsider a proposed law change being debated in Parliament today that would remove communities’ right to be consulted by district health boards,” said newly elected Capital and Coast DHB member David Choat.

“We’ve just had an election where over 60,000 citizens of Wellington, Porirua and Kapiti voted for who they wanted on the Capital and Coast DHB. This shows there is genuine interest in what the priorities of the DHB should be.

“The removal of the requirement to consult about the District Strategic Plan will shut out many organisations like Age Concern, Alzeihmers Wellington and the Kites Trust, all of whom made a submission about the issues important to them in 2005.

“Now they are being told that Capital and Coast DHB should no longer need to consult them when it develops its strategic plan for health services in the region.

“That just doesn’t seem right. While there are a number of changes in the Bill that seem very sensible, such as providing greater cooperation between DHBs, removing community consultation would be a backwards step.

“If DHBs cannot access important views from the community about health priorities, we will be unable to deliver meaningful services that address community need.

“As a Board member, I will be pushing for Capital and Coast DHB to meaningfully consult with the community whether the law requires it or not."

ENDS

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