Nurses Union Endorses Canterbury DHB Candidate Heather Symes

Heather Symes, a People's Choice candidate for the Canterbury District Health Board, has been endorsed in her candidacy by the New Zealand Nursing Organisation.

Symes stated she was, "delighted and honoured" to receive the endorsement of the lead professional and industrial organisation for nurses, midwives, caregivers and other health workers, representing over 46,000 members in all areas of health services.

Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku expressed confidence in Symes, particularly her “professionalism, her strong character, and her commitment to health issues as a voice for NZNO members.”

Symes said, "My core beliefs align to those of NZNO, which has a very long history of advocating to improve the health status of all citizens of NZ to receive appropriate healthcare and social justice, with a commitment to bicultural partnership."

Symes is a Comprehensive Registered Nurse who has worked in healthcare for twenty-six years, both here and overseas. She has public and mental health experience which will stand her in good stead should she be elected to CDHB. She has been actively involved in NZNO for over a decade, serving on the Board of Directors representing Canterbury, and served in the Mental Health Section as Vice Chair and Treasurer. She has a good grasp of governance requirements and the financial constraints which effect healthcare.

Symes says, "I am putting my hand up, along with the rest of my People's Choice team, to serve my community. I look forward to representing all of Canterbury's many diverse communities if I am elected to CDHB."

The People's Choice has also selected Paul McMahon and Oscar Alpers to run with Heather Symes for the Canterbury District Healthboard.

ENDS

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