Government's Sad Birthday Gift For Plunketline

Heather Roy
Tuesday, 11 April 2006
Press Releases - Health

Today marks Plunketline's twelfth anniversary, and hundreds of thousands of parents who've called Plunket's helpline are hoping the service can continue, says ACT Health Spokesman, Heather Roy.

"I'm sure that Kiwi parents who have used Plunketline would wish to join me in congratulating Plunket on a job exceptionally well done", Mrs Roy said.

"Yesterday was also the 25th anniversary of Plunket's car seat rental scheme - another excellent service, running alongside Plunket's traditional role of providing Well Child checks.

"Unfortunately, the government has given Plunketline an unenviable birthday present this week, pulling the rug from under their feet and awarding its contract to another firm.

"When I broke the news 18 months ago that Plunketline was to be merged into Healthline, I warned that Plunketline's unique character would be lost in the merger.

"Sadly, I've been proven right - the government set Plunketline up to fail.

"Parents trust Plunket's well respected, valuable and hugely popular service. Plunket nurses provide high quality advice, with an extremely high satisfaction rate from parents.

"One thing the government cannot steal from Plunketline is its unique brand, and Plunket has vowed to continue this well-respected service by finding sustainable funding.

"ACT offers Plunket our support for this move, and will do whatever we can so that Plunketline will continue", Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

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