“Health Minister Tony Ryall’s decision to approve the merger of the Otago and Southland district health boards is premature and unwise,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“International data highlights the appalling shortages of hospital specialists in New Zealand,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“The Southland DHB needs to take time out for a cup of tea in order to seriously consider issues raised in the increasing opposition from Southland senior doctors and nurses over the proposed merger with Otago DHB,” . . .

“The reported loss of cancer specialists highlights the wider senior doctor workforce crisis in New Zealand public hospitals,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

JOINT AGREEMENT BETWEEN ASMS AND IPAC

“The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists and the Independent Practitioners Association Council have reached an historic agreement to work together to promote clinical leadership and governance in the New Zealand health system,” said Dr Jeff Brown, President of the ASMS and Dr Bev O’Keefe, Executive Chair of IPAC, today.