ATTENTION: HEALTH REPORTER NO. OF PAGES: 1

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE,
FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2001

“Senior Doctors Welcome Health Minister’s Decision”

“Senior doctors welcome Health Minister Annette King’s decision to establish a new Principal Medical Officer position that will be able to directly report to her,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“It is difficult for any health minister to be fully aware of the concerns and views of senior doctors working at the frontline of health care. This new position should help improve this situation that is currently much less than desirable.”

“We agree that the person in the position should be a doctor currently working in a district health board on a short-term appointment. This will better ensure the freshness and accuracy of the advice and information the Health Minister receives.”

“The Association has worked closely behind the scenes with the Minister in developing this proposal and we are pleased that this cooperation and collaboration has produced such a positive outcome,” concluded Mr Powell.

Ian Powell

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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