20 December 2006
DHB Collaboration Applauded
News that the country’s two most southern district health boards plan to share core administration staff and planning in
order to save money shows that common sense sometimes does prevail in the health system, says New Zealand First’s health
spokesperson Barbara Stewart.
“With 21 district health boards plus DHBNZ and the Ministry of Health the health system is nothing if not over-managed.
“There cannot be 21 different best ways of doing things and when two dhbs are relatively close to each other
geographically it would seem to make sense to combine as many functions as possible.
“Unfortunately this seems to be an unpopular idea with health administration at all levels which makes it even more
commendable that the two southern boards have seen the light and decided to collaborate where possible.
“Congratulations are in order to both boards and it is to be hoped that others will follow their example,” said Mrs
Stewart.
ENDS