ASMS

The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says the costs and waiting times to see a GP are helping push emergency departments to breaking point. Lakes DHB is the latest to issue a warning – Lakes DHB issues warning over swamped emergency departments – saying both Rotorua and Taupō Hospitals have extremely limited capacity to admit more patients. It is a situation repeated around the country. Waikato Hospital issued a similar warning in August. Hawkes Bay Hospital has been using …

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The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Toi Mata Hauora welcomes the appointment of Andrew Little to the role of Health Minister, saying he has a strong track record in Government and his work on Treaty negotiations will support a much-needed focus on ending health inequities. It also welcomes the inclusion of both Associate Health Ministers in Cabinet. Peeni Henare’s suite of responsibilities sits well with the social determinants of health and wellbeing. Former ASMS member, Dr Ayesha Verrall’s clinical expertise …

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We have had an overwhelming response from members wanting to come to this year’s Annual Conference at Te Papa, 26-27 November. Thanks to all those who have registered. Unfortunately, we have now reached capacity and are putting registrations on hold. However, we are offering a webinar option for those who want to attend.  To register for the webinar please email Cassey van Riel on cvr@asms.org.nz.  We look forward to seeing everyone, whether in person, or virtually, in Wellington next …

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Did you know around 6,000 children are admitted to hospital each year for housing-sensitive reasons? Improving health outcomes and reducing demand for health care in Aotearoa means targeting growing inequities such as housing, that’s why we’ve put together a new report Health Matters – Framing the full story of health.

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The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists is welcoming a government bailout for the Canterbury District Health Board but says it’s a shame it has taken an unprecedented leadership crisis and protest action by staff to force action. The DHB is to be given an equity injection of $180 million, which is the size of its deficit. ASMS Executive Director Sarah Dalton says it’s a relief to finally see the Health Minister Chris Hipkins acknowledging the financial difficulties the DHB has …

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Improving health outcomes and reducing demand for health care in Aotearoa means targeting growing inequities. We know our members are regularly treating preventable illness and disease which have their roots in social factors such as poverty, racism, poor housing, unhealthy foods, and environments. That is why we’ve put together a new report Health Matters – Framing the full story of health.  We hope it will provoke some better national conversations about health, and some long term cross-party political commitment …

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ASMS reached out to the main political parties in the lead up to the 17 October general election to ask about their policies and priorities on health.

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As the Labour Party releases its health policy, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists is calling on the next government to establish a Minister of Public Wellbeing, along with a standalone Ministry to help improve health outcomes, achieve health equity, and relieve mounting pressures on the health system. It is one of the key recommendations in a new ASMS report – Health Matters – Framing the full story of health – which argues good health starts well before the …

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The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says mental health services in almost every region are at breaking point due to overcrowding, chronic staffing shortages, and the rising number of acute cases driven by methamphetamine, and now Covid-19. Staff in Wellington Hospital’s mental health ward have told Radio New Zealand (Wellington Hospital mental health unit unsafe for staff, patients) that the unit is at crisis point. ASMS Executive Director Sarah Dalton says it’s a situation repeated in mental health units …

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Some of the things that make Northland one of the best and most beautiful parts of the country also make it one of the hardest to support in terms of health. Many of you live hours away from hospitals, while roads and other transport access are not easily navigated. The Simpson Review of our health and disability system, which was released in June, tried to look at what things might look like in the next couple of decades. Its findings …

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