Wyatt Creech
Opposition Health Spokesperson
27 March 2000
Health professionals need more certainty than this
"No-one doubts the need for a primary health care strategy - but the Government has raised more questions than it has
answered with the document released today," Opposition Health spokesperson Wyatt Creech said.
"Doctors, nurses and other health professionals working in primary health want certainty and have been waiting for some
time for a primary care strategy.
"Everyone agrees a strategic approach to primary health is needed and there should be more emphasis on improving
people's health and preventing diseases.
"But the primary health care discussion document and the raft of questions it raises about the future of primary health
care gives very little certainty or clarity.
"It should have given GPs confidence about their role in the future.
"There is a lot of anxiety in the health sector about the Government's changes to the health system. Primary providers
are feeling that concern and this will just add to it.
"National will be working closely with primary care providers on the detail of the strategy, to ensure people get the
health care they need, as early as possible."
Ends