Media statement For immediate release Tuesday, 17 April 2007

Another week, another strike but still patients suffer

It’s another week and another new strike beginning, says United Future health spokesperson, Judy Turner.

Mrs Turner is commenting on the beginning today of a round of industrial action by radiographers from seven DHBs while lab workers will resume their strike next week, senior doctors are threatening action and the nurses union is currently in negotiations.

“Here’s the situation. Health is at record spending levels – the health budget for 2006/07 was a whopping $10.6 billion. To talk of increased spending is already unsustainable.

“We’re pouring concrete into concrete mixers.

“Instead we need better use of private hospitals. They have the capacity and timeliness to do the job. Money saved from better utilisation of this sector could be used to resolve employment negotiations across the health workforce.

“But while the Labour-led Government obstructs DHBs from negotiating with private hospitals, money is wasted and patients suffer," said Mrs Turner.

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