Thursday 20 January
Anderton Congratulated For Fact Finding Mission
“At last, a politician who wants to find out the facts before commenting on what happens in public hospitals,” said Mr
Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.
Mr Powell was responding to Progressive Party leader and Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton’s decision to meet with
Canterbury District Health Board representatives to find out the background to claims raised about emergency department
performance, staff injury rates and day surgery numbers.
“Politicians can be much more effective and earn the respect of health professionals if they do their homework first
rather than shooting from the hip, invariably inaccurately.”
“It will be important that doctors’ and nurses’ representatives, as well as managers, are involved when politicians do
their homework.”
“We hope that Mr Anderton’s approach catches on with other politicians. This could be revolutionary stuff for the
health sector,” concluded Mr Powell.
ENDS