How do Capital & Coast DHB candidates measure up?

Wellington Branch of the Public Health Association media release

Tuesday 13 September 2016

How do Capital & Coast DHB candidates measure up?

With the voting packs for the local elections being mailed out from Thursday, voters will soon elect seven members of the Capital & Coast District Health Board, as well as a new mayor, and local and regional councillors. But how much do we know about the people who want to lead ourDHB?

“The candidates’ statements in the voters’ handbook don’t give voters much to go on,” says Jude Ball, Chair of the Wellington branch of the Public Health Association, “so we are helping fill the information gap by holding a Meet the CCDHB Candidates meeting and producing a CCDHB Candidates scorecard.”

The scorecard is based on a survey of candidates and rates them on their governance and health sector knowledge and experience, and their position on three key policy areas: water fluoridation, equity and population health.

“The candidates’ answers have given us a good sense of their values and priorities, and how well equipped they are for the role,” said Ms Ball.

“It’s great to see that out of the 20 candidates, there are some extremely experienced and competent individuals standing. There are also some that the Public Health Association would definitely not endorse.”

The scorecard is will be available from Thursday at www.pha.org.nz

The Public Health Association is a voluntary organisation whose goal is to improve the health of all New Zealanders by promoting public health and influencing public policy. The Wellington Branch has about 70 members who work in research, policy, health promotion and in front line roles in health and social services.

Details for the Meet the CCDHB Candidates Meeting are: Tue 20 Sept, 6:00pm -7:30pm, St Johns Hall, Corner Willis and Dixon Streets. Light refreshments provided, entry by koha.

What do the DHB board do, and why should I care?

The Public health Association asked candidates “What would you say to voters who ask ‘Why should I care who is on the CCDHB board?’” Here are some of their responses:

“You should care because the Capital & Coast District Health Board is charged with responsibility for delivering health services to 300,000 people. The quality of the decisions made by the board depends on the competence of the people you elect.” Roger Blakeley, CCDHB Candidate.

“Because health is what matters most to our quality of life. The CCDHB has a critical role in ensuring that people and communities are getting the health services they need to achieve optimum health status.” Eileen Brown, CCDHB Candidate.

“The CCDHB Board plays an important role in setting the overall strategic direction of Capital & Coast Health. It helps set priorities for where investment is made in health. It also ensures that Capital & Coast Health is sustainably managed and is financially sound.” Sue Kedgley, CCDHB Candidate.

“CCDHB is critical to the lives of all of us every day: parents whose kids need a GP after hours, carers of elderly relatives, or people needing surgical intervention that will transform their lives. Having board members who deep knowledge of the different parts of the community and the judgement to make the right decisions is imperative when resources are limited.” Fran Wilde, CCDHB Candidate.

“We all have a vested interest in having a community that enjoys optimum health, and we want board members we can entrust to make informed decisions on our behalf, and be open and accountable for those decisions.” Kathryn Adams, CCDHB Candidate.

“The CCDHB Board influences the delivery of all public health services in Wellington, Porirua and the Kapiti Coast. Getting it right can literally mean the difference between life and death for anyone experiencing serious ill health or injury.” Helen Robinson, CCDHB Candidate.

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