Health Board Congratulated For Position On Deficit

“Health Board Congratulated For Position On Deficits”

“Senior doctors congratulate the Auckland District Health Board for telling the truth by warning the government that attempting to cut its deficit too quickly will lead to cuts in patient services,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“Too many people in government and district health boards are prepared to close their eyes and resort to weasel words. They ignore the fact that deficits potentially threaten the quality and range of patient services. Further, if the government’s requirement for health boards to reduce deficits is too quick, then potential threats become immediate cuts to patient services.”

“The deficits that plague many district health boards originate from historical under-funding in the first place and this is where the government should focus its attention.”

“More district health boards should follow the lead of the Auckland and call a spade a spade even if their political masters don’t like the message,” concluded Mr Powell.

Ian Powell

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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