Press Release from HealthCare Providers NZ Inc

HEADLINE: CUNLIFFE AND RYALL GO HEAD-TO-HEAD ON AGED CARE

Cunliffe And Ryall Go Head-To-Head On Aged Care

Aged residential care providers are expecting fireworks at a conference session tomorrow at 11:45 am when the current Minister of Health, Hon David Cunliffe, squares off against his aspiring successor, National Health spokesperson Tony Ryall.

The debate will be hosted by respected journalist Linda Clark, and is part of the HealthCare Providers NZ Conference, Balancing Expectations, being held at Auckland's Sky City Convention Centre.

HealthCare Providers New Zealand CEO Martin Taylor said he had asked both parties to lay out what they would commit to aged care from 2009 to 2011, and was expecting strong commitments to be unveiled.

"This is a watershed year for aged care in New Zealand. As providers, as consumers and as funders, we all have big expectations for the future of this industry. The public of New Zealand deserve to know what political parties have planned for aged care, no matter who makes up the next Government", said Taylor.

"We have asked both National and Labour to come to the table and be upfront about what they will offer our industry. Firm investment commitments are crucial for the aged care sector to plan for the future so we can meet the expectations of New Zealand's senior citizens".

ENDS

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