DHB Should Listen to Message, Not Shoot Messenger

Attention: Health Reporter

Media Statement For Immediate Release,
monday 24 September 2007

“DHB Boss Should Listen to the Message, Not Shoot the Messenger”

“Southland District Health Board boss Dennis Cairns should listen to the message from senior doctors rather than shooting the messenger over the DHB’s hospital medical staffing crisis,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today. Mr Powell was responding to Mr Cairns’ dismissal of concerns raised by experienced Southland senior doctors as more “rhetoric”.

“Southland is facing a serious medical staffing crisis for both resident (junior) and senior doctors. In both cases it is arguably the worst in the country. In the absence of a turn-around there is a serious risk of a meltdown.”

“A key factor beyond this crisis is the senior management culture which is authoritarian, adversarial and defensive. When serious problems arise the natural response of management is to defend their position rather than try to sort out the problem. While this situation may be improved by the departure of outgoing Chief Executive Nigel Murray in controversial circumstances, this negative culture is embedded in many levels of management.”

“Southland’s medical staffing crisis will not be resolved until there is a turnaround in this destructive attitude. We want to work with Mr Cairns in achieving this turnaround rather than engage in stone-throwing at each other.”

“The solution to this crisis needs positive leadership from Mr Cairns. This begins by listening to and understanding the message,”concluded Mr Powell.

Ian Powell

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ENDS

www.asms.org.nz

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