Appointment Of New Health Minister Welcomed

“Appointment Of New Health Minister Welcomed”

“While no surprise, the appointment of Tony Ryall as the new Minister of Health is welcome. He has been an effective opposition health spokesperson and we hope he will also become an effective health minister,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“When he was in opposition we were impressed with the way in which Mr Ryall researched and promoted ideas that we have been advocating for some time. In particular, the importance of strengthening clinical leadership in DHBs and developing health professional led clinical networks between DHBs in order to better ensure that all New Zealanders can receive timely access to quality health services.”

“As we do with all political parties, we have concerns about some aspects of National’s health policy. These include the way in which DHBs might use the private sector. It is important that this is not done in a way which risks undermining the capacity of public hospitals to provide quality services. Further, we question transferring funding and planning functions of DHBs to regional bodies because it risks creating bureaucratic confusion and fragmentation. However, we are keen to engage constructively with Mr Ryall on these and other matters.”

“We are delighted that at very short notice Mr Ryall has agreed to speak at our Annual Conference on Friday in what is expected to be his first public address as health minister. It is a positive sign for our future relationship,” concluded Mr Powell.

Ian Powell

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

© Scoop Media