Labour gets health priorities just right, say nurses

Labour gets health priorities just right, say nurses

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) welcomes the release of the Labour Party’s health policy signalling better utilisation of the nursing workforce. The policy aligns closely with NZNO’s manifesto for the health of all New Zealanders and takes an “ambulance at the top of the cliff” approach.

“Focussing on prevention and community health, for example with the alcohol and oral health initiatives, is a great first step to making sure New Zealanders get the health interventions they need, when they need them,” says NZNO president, Nano Tunnicliff.

“Investment in affordable, accessible primary health care and removing barriers to enhanced roles for nurses is a good use of the health dollar,” Tunnicliff says.

Labour’s health policy also provides solutions for aged care, with funding for safe and properly staffed residential care for older New Zealanders.

“NZNO has been campaigning hard for quality care for older New Zealanders, including mandatory staffing levels and fair pay and conditions for workers in the aged care sector. It is heartening that Labour agree that reform in aged care is needed and is putting their money where their mouth is.” Tunnicliff says.

NZNO kaiwhakahaere, Kerri Nuku says, “Health has been underfunded for too long. Hospitals and community health initiatives have been forced to make cuts. Those cuts are adversely affecting the health of our most vulnerable communities. Our members are over-worked and stressed.”

“This health policy will go a long way to addressing many of the issues NZNO members are dealing with every day. We look forward to a future where everyone can access community health care when they need it, when children no longer suffer diseases of poverty and when our older New Zealanders and the people who care for them are valued properly.” Nuku says

NZNO is looking forward to the implementation of this road-map to good health, should Labour form a coalition after the election.

ENDS

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