No attempt made by Auckland DHBs to bridge funding gap as strike looms

The three Auckland district health boards have made no attempt to approach Health Minister Jonathan Coleman for extra funding to provide 7-day services, the Public Service Association says.

Replying to written parliamentary questions, Dr Coleman said he has not spoken to the DHBs regarding access to patient services, extra funding or how 7-day allied health services would be funded from existing budgets.

The Public Service Association’s Erin Polaczuk is surprised at the answer.
"I’m shocked that DHBs appear to have made no effort to ask for extra money - given that affordability of allied health services was an issue they specifically brought to the table.

"It’s now clear the DHBs plan to offer physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work and many other services over a 7-day week - and fund it by cutting pay to new staff.

"Given the $1.7 billion funding gap revealed by the recent Infometrics study, we’re surprised DHBs would expect new staff to pick up the slack - without even asking for more funding.

"Our staff are already overworked and the DHBs expect them to stretch even further - putting quality care at risk."

Ms Polaczuk attempted to broker a meeting between the three CEOs, union heads, Dr Coleman and the Ministry - but was shut down by the DHBs, who accused her of undermining them.

"We are genuinely trying to find a solution to this protracted dispute, and we welcome any third party help - including the Employment Relations Authority," Ms Polaczuk says.

"If the DHBs aren’t prepared to stand up for our members - and for patient safety - they shouldn’t try to stop unions from talking to a Minister of the Crown."

The Public Service Association has issued strike notices on behalf of its members in allied, science and technical disciplines for a 24-hour stoppage on Friday 15 April.

ENDS

© Scoop Media