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Media Statements

29 May 2006

DHB's Improved Financial Position Should Help Salary Negotiations

“The Health Ministry’s report of improved financial performance by district health boards should assist salary negotiations with health unions,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.  Mr Powell was referring to the Ministry’s financial performance report for the first three quarters of the current financial year.

“It is health professionals, including senior doctors, who provide the real and sustainable added value to the services provided by district health boards.  New Zealand is a small geographically isolated country competing against an international shortage of health professionals.  If the financial performance of DHBs is to continue to improve then they must offer competitive salaries and other conditions.”

“District health boards need to halt the ridiculous and short-sighted practice of refusing to offer valued health professionals such as radiation therapists any salary increase which in the context of inflation means a pay cut.  The Health Ministry’s report means that there is no excuse for such irresponsible behaviour.”

“If DHBs don’t offer reasonable salary increases then they will worsen our recruitment and retention difficulties and worsen the DHBs financial performance,” concluded Mr Powell.

Ian Powell
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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