Wyatt Creech

Opposition Health Spokesperson

27 March 2000

Health professionals need more certainty than this

"No-one doubts the need for a primary health care strategy - but the Government has raised more questions than it has answered with the document released today," Opposition Health spokesperson Wyatt Creech said.

"Doctors, nurses and other health professionals working in primary health want certainty and have been waiting for some time for a primary care strategy.

"Everyone agrees a strategic approach to primary health is needed and there should be more emphasis on improving people's health and preventing diseases.

"But the primary health care discussion document and the raft of questions it raises about the future of primary health care gives very little certainty or clarity.

"It should have given GPs confidence about their role in the future.

"There is a lot of anxiety in the health sector about the Government's changes to the health system. Primary providers are feeling that concern and this will just add to it.

"National will be working closely with primary care providers on the detail of the strategy, to ensure people get the health care they need, as early as possible."

Ends

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