Don't bury us in "budget priorities," Minister!

An open letter to the Minister for ACC, Hon Maryan Street New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists

Dear Minister

You've been told by an independent review commissioned by your own government, that physiotherapy services can't go on as they are. You've been told that physios are unfairly bearing the cost of accidents. You've been told that "physiotherapy services are an integral element in the rehabilitation of accident victims."

And your response is …. "Recommendations related to funding will be considered in conjunction with other budget priorities."

We're underwhelmed, Minister! We're the health professionals who provide more than any other group of treatment providers for injured New Zealanders, but when our profession is mortally injured - what else does "unsustainable" mean, Minister? – where's ACC for us?

Now is the time for urgent action, Minister. We need life support!

The reviewer laid out the options for you to remedy the situation, Minister. He used words like "immediate" and "prompt." He acknowledged "affordability issues" for ACC in paying a sustainable rate to physios, but he also pointed out that if we keep bearing the cost of other people's recovery, the public risks losing the high quality, affordable services of physiotherapists.

Please don't bury us amongst budget priorities, Minister.

Please don't bury the New Zealand public who depend on us.

Please choose one of the reviewer's options now, Minister.

Jonathan Warren President

New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists

ENDS

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