Nationals Health Policy Lacking in Initiative

12 September 2008

Nationals First Health Policy Lacking in Initiative

The first in a series of health policy releases from the National Party was made yesterday.

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is disappointed that the National Party has not demonstrated any fresh ideas around improving our nation's health.

"National is very focused on the removal of bureaucracy and extending privatisation of health care as the solution to all the problems in the health sector. In real terms this means tax payers paying more for healthcare and more profits for private employers in health at the expense of a quality healthcare system said NZNO Chief Executive Geoff Annals.

"The core issues of safe staffing and recruitment and retention of nurses have nothing to do with reducing bureaucracy and everything to do with workers feeling respected and valued at work."Annals said.

"The National Party says it wants health professionals to provide more leadership in the sector - why then does their policy not reflect any of the real solutions nurses and health workers have been calling for such as the implementation of the Safe Staffing/Healthy Workplaces Committee of Inquiry recommendations and a self sustaining workforce; mandatory minimum staffing levels in residential aged care; pay parity for all nurses and caregivers across all sectors and the promotion of collective bargaining as an essential part of a healthy workforce." Said Annals

ENDS

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