Mapp Report: Helping hand for a failing health system

Health is a hot topic for New Zealand at the moment. It has been a cause for concern for some time now after a year full of delayed surgeries, increased waiting lists and hospital staff strikes.

Health has again made the headlines with the issue of reluctance by Pharmac to subsidise Herceptin for cancer sufferers and additional hospital waiting lists being culled.

I was one of a number of people who gathered in Aotea Square on Monday July 31 to support sufferers of breast cancer who face additional adversity since Pharmac announced it would not subsidise Herceptin.

This life saving drug costs around $100,000 for every patient and currently many women are left with the daunting task of raising funds for the drug.

My attendance at the demonstration was my show of support for these women and a step towards bringing this issue to the forefront.

In addition to the Herceptin issue, cancer remains a primary issue in the Health sector. The Government continues to cull waiting lists despite fresh warnings from GPs regarding the risk to patients.

Up to 11,000 patients who have been waiting six months to see a specialist could be removed from waiting lists by DHB. GPs are warning that cancers will be missed and go untreated as a result.

Without timely treatment, many of these people will get progressively worse and their treatment will end up costing a lot more money.

National is answering the call for a lifeline for New Zealand’s Health system.

I will be hosting a Sustainable Health Economy public meeting on August 14 to work towards solving the problems of New Zealand’s failing health system.

Over the last six years the government has increased annual spending on health from $4 billion to $10 billion, representing 21% of the budget.

Despite increased funding no additional surgical procedures have been performed and the waiting lists remain just as long.

There needs to be a definitive change in the health provision model or New Zealanders will continue to pay for an inefficient system.

The current health system is focused on treating ill patients but there also needs to an equal focus on preventative measures. This public meeting aims to address this.

New Zealanders are spending too much on patients with preventable illnesses because there is no vehicle in place to treat people before they need a hospital bed.

If we can work together to set up a model involving education on health to avoid getting ill and early access to treatment, we can save New Zealanders money and emotional distress.

A panel of community representatives and health experts will present ideas at the meeting where members of the public will also be encouraged to share their thoughts.

Speakers include Dr Paul Butler, John Appleton of the Integrative Medicine Health Institute, Dr Jonathan Coleman, National’s Associate Spokesman for Health and North Shore MP Dr Wayne Mapp.

The Sustainable Health Economy free public meeting will be held on Monday August 14 at 7pm at the Mary Thomas Centre, 3 Gibbons Street, Takapuna. All are welcome.

Events

Devonport Clinic – Saturday 5 August 9:30-11:30am
Devonport Library

North Shore MP Wayne Mapp will be available to answer questions and discuss your concerns.

Phone 486-0005 or email office@waynemapp.co.nz for more information

Sustainable Health Economy – Monday 14 August 7:30pm
Mary Thomas Centre, 3 Gibbons Road, Takapuna

North Shore National Party is holding a policy meeting on “A Sustainable Health Economy”. Speakers will include Dr Paul Butler and John Appleton of IM Health and Northcote MP Dr Jonathan Coleman. This will be a great opportunity to hear a fresh initiative to improve the wellness of New Zealanders and subsequently create economic opportunities for our country.
Phone 486-0005 or email office@waynemapp.co.nz for more information

4 August 2006

Dr Wayne Mapp

Visit my website for more information at: http://www.waynemapp.co.nz

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