PRESS RELEASE

9 November 1999

Gael Donoghue
Health Spokesperson

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE SUPPORTS NZ COUNCIL OF MEDICAL COLLEGES PROPOSED HEALTH SYSTEM SOLUTIONS

Gael Donoghue, Health Spokesperson for the Christian Heritage Party, congratulates the Council of Medical Colleges in New Zealand on their booklet "A Way Forward" in which collaborative solutions for improving the New Zealand Health System are suggested.

"The publication sums up what many New Zealanders' concerns are in regard to the present Health System," says Mrs Donoghue. "Also," she says, "the recent structural changes in New Zealand society with resultant negative outcomes, as highlighted by the Christian Heritage Party, have been clearly stated. For example, particular problems such as increasing abuse of alcohol and other drugs of dependence, mental ill-health, suicide and related disability and death, are documented in the first page of the booklet."

Mrs Donoghue went on, "The Christian Heritage Party also agrees with and welcomes the Council's suggestions of open dialogue with community and government agencies and the offering of professional support for change in the delivery of clinical services. Sustainable, quality and cost effective solutions are essential to improving the current ailing health system. It is our belief that Clinicians have been deliberately left out of the last few governments' health management agendas. The 'primary focus' needed for provincial and rural health concerns and the requisite workforce recommendations should also be supported. Of particularly interest are the suggestions in regard to Medical Schools and training structured to encourage rural practice participation.

"Further statements about avoiding the constant reinvention and deconstruction processes consigning New Zealand to endless reform via the electoral cycles noted in the booklet conclusion are well put. The incoming Government would do well to welcome the positive collaborative ideas and suggestions of this Council of Medical Colleges, as Christian Heritage does," concluded Mrs Donoghue.

Contact: Mrs Gael Donoghue on (06) 347 6000 or (025) 514 980
Party Leader Graham Capill (021) 661 766

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