Saturday 01 October 2011, 11:07AM

 

This year's General Election is to be held on the 26 November. In Extra Coverage - Election Trail, New Zealand Doctor posts and links to events, articles and media releases to provide some insight into what are likely to be key issues for the sector leading up to this year's election.

Who are the political party health spokespeople?

Grant Robertson - Labour Party  -  Kevin Hague - Green Party  -  Tariana Turia - Maori Party  -  Heather Roy - ACT Party

Current health policies

Labour Party health policy

Health policy

Aged care policy

Green Party health policy   

Health policy

ACT health policy

Health policy

National Party health policy

  Health and disability

Maternity and child health

Mental health

Preventative healthcare

Primary care

Video

New Zealand Doctor asked the various health spokespeople to shoot a short clip outlining their views on health and policy.  The Green Party's Kevin Hague was first to step up to the multimedia request, followed some weeks later by National's health spokesperson Tony Ryall and Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party health spokesperson Kevin O'Connell.

Green Party health spokesperson Kevin Hague

 

National Party health spokesperson Tony Ryall

Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party health spokesperson Kevin O'Connell

Voting system referendum

When voters hit the poll booths this year they will be asked to take part in a referendum to decide whether New Zealand keeps its current voting system, Mixed Member Propotional (MMP).

Voters will also be asked to choose one of four options they'd prefer if New Zealand decides MMP should be scrapped:

• First Past the Post (FPP)
• Preferential Voting (PV)
• Single Transferable Vote (STV)
• Supplementary Member (SM)

The Centre for Mathematical Social Science at The University of Auckland has come up with this nifty election simulator to help voters work out different  general election outcomes depending on which voting system is used.

The roll of releases (the latest at the top)

11 November

Tony Ryall
Great progress in preventive health under National
National is focusing on fewer, more high impact, preventive health measures to keep more New Zealanders healthy says National spokesman for health Tony Ryall >>read more

10 November

Tony Ryall
National pledges more operations and shorter surgical wait timesA re-elected National Government will deliver even more operations, and shorten surgical waiting times to a maximum of four months over the next three years says National Health spokesman Tony Ryall >>read more

9 November

Grant Robertson
Keeping Kiwis healthy
Affordable, accessible healthcare; early intervention and a focus on children's health are top health priorities for Labour, Health spokesperson Grant Robertson says. >>read more

1 November

Sue Bradford
Mana: Disability reform essential
Aotearoa must become a more inclusive and compassionate society for everyone, not just those who are temporarily of sound mind and body, says MANA Disability spokesperson Sue Bradford. >>read more

Tony Ryall and Wayne Mapp
$2.7 million funding for cancer research
Health Minister Tony Ryall and the Minister for Science and Innovation Dr Wayne Mapp have announced funding for three cancer research projects. >>read more

27 October

Tony Ryall
Free after-hours care for under six-year-olds
Free visits to the doctor for children aged under six will be extended to after-hours under Government plans released today. >>read more

20 October

Tariana Turia
Launch of Tokoroa Rheumatic Fever Prevention Campaign
I am delighted to see such a large crowd here today, whanau, parents, health providers, local organisations - all here for such an important kaupapa. >>read more

Tony Ryall
New pharmacist role benefits patients
A demonstration project where pharmacists have taken on a greater role in managing patients on the traditional blood thinning drug Warfarin, has resulted in excellent outcomes for patients and high levels of satisfaction. read more

14 October

Tariana Turia
Richard Wood to lead Family Violence Taskforce
Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, Hon Tariana Turia, has welcomed Mr Richard Wood as the new Chair of the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families. >>read more

Tariana Turia
Turia welcomes legislation for fulltime Disability Rights Commissioner
Tariana Turia, Minister of Disability Issues, is delighted that her original intention to appoint a full time Disability Rights Commissioner to protect and promote the rights of disabled peoples has been upheld with a new bill introduced to Parliament. >>read more

13 October

Grant Robertson
Government breaks promise to rare disease sufferers
The Government's refusal to explain why it has not delivered on a promise to ensure access to life-saving drugs for Kiwis suffering from rare diseases is cowardly and disrespectful Labour's Health spokesperson Grant Robertson says. >>read more

Tony Ryall
Government backs prostate cancer inquiry findings
The Government supports Health Select Committee recommendations around the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer which rule out a national screening programme at this stage. >> read more

Grant Robertson
Cancer report proves need for more focus on prevention
The release of a Ministry of Health report on the cost of cancer treatment shows again why the focus of health spending must be on prevention, Labour's Health spokesperson Grant Robertson says. >>read more

12 October

Grant Robertson
Government back-down on phone assessments of home help must be nationwide
More than a year after Health Minister Tony Ryall fiercely defended telephone assessments Capital and Coast DHB have finally dumped them, but other DHBs need to follow suit, says Labour's Health spokesperson Grant Robertson >>read more

Tony Ryall
Price of cancer treatment assessed for the first time
More than half a billion dollars a year is spent by the public health service on diagnosing and treating cancer and  this is set to increase more than 20 per cent by 2021. >>read more

Tony Ryall
Bowel screening pilot begins in Waitemata
The four year bowel screening pilot has been launched by National MP, Dr Jackie Blue on behalf of Health Minister Tony Ryall at Waitemata DHB in Auckland today. >>read more

10 October

Tony Ryall
$9.4m in Govt subsidies for small communities
The Government has approved a total of $9.4 million in subsidies to improve drinking water supplies in small communities of under 5000 people >>read more

 7 October

Tony Ryall
Sleepover Wages (Settlement) Bill passed
Health Minister Tony Ryall has welcomed Parliament's unanimous support for the Sleepover Wages (Settlement) Bill, passed today under urgency >>read more

5 October

Tony Ryall & Wayne Mapp
NZ scientists win international flu contract
Health Minister Tony Ryall and the Minister for Science and Innovation Dr Wayne Mapp, have congratulated ESR on their successful international bid for a 5-year, multi-million dollar flu research and surveillance project. >> read more

Tariana Turia
Exceptional Māori health scholars honoured
Associate health minister Tariana Turia presented four awards in two categories which honour the legacy of trailblazing leadership in Māori health. Every year, a select group of applicants to the Ministry of Health's Hauora Māori scholarship programme are awarded a John McLeod Scholarship or a Te Apa Māreikura Award. >> read more

4 October

Grant Robertson
Coleman's evasion disgraceful and disrespectful
Associate Health Minister Jonathan Coleman's refusal to answer questions in Parliament today regarding a serious assault committed by a patient released from an acute mental health unit is a disgrace, Labour's Health spokesperson Grant Robertson says >>read more

Peter Dunne
Further 3 synthetic cannabis substances to be banned
A further three synthetic cannabis substances are in the process of being banned this week and are expected to be off the shelves late next week, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne said today. >>read more

3 October

Tony Ryall
NZ scientists win international flu contract
Health Minister Tony Ryall and the Minister for Science and Innovation Dr Wayne Mapp, have congratulated ESR on their successful international bid for a 5-year, multi-million dollar flu research and surveillance project. >>read more

Tariana Turia
Sign language in good heart but more can be done
Disability Issues Minister Hon Tariana Turia released the review of the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006 today. The New Zealand Sign Language Act established sign language as an official language of New Zealand. >>read more

2 October

Grant Robertson
National must show leadership in mental health
The National-led government needs to show leadership and take urgent action to improve acute mental health services in Auckland before further violence and tragedies occur, says Labour's Health spokesperson Grant Robertson.>>read more

30 September

Tony Ryall
Opening of Lower Queen Street Health - Integrated Family Health Centre - Richmond, Nelson
...This is a significant event - not just because this is a new and innovative medical centre for Richmond - but also because Lower Queen Street Health represents a future of primary health care for New Zealanders .>>read more

29 September

Tariana Turia
Bariatric surgery numbers up
A funding boost for weight-loss surgery is producing results, with Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia announcing an increase in the number of procedures nationwide in the first year.>>read more
 
Sue Kedgley
Green Party supports Aged Care Charter
The Green Party strongly supports the Aged Care Charter and the call for compulsory safe staffing levels, and fair pay and conditions for aged care workers, Green Party aged care spokesperson Sue Kedgley said today.>>read more

Tony Ryall
Crown Entities Reform Bill introduced
The Crown Entities Reform Bill has been introduced to the House.
This omnibus Bill provides for structural changes to the way the government is organised across the health and charitable sectors, including >>read more

27 September

Tony Ryall
Sleepover Wages (Settlement) Bill to be introduced
A Bill to legislate the Sleepover wages settlement will be introduced to the House later today by Health Minister Tony Ryall.>>read more

23 September

Tony Ryall
Innovation Hub to help grow health tech sector
Better links between the health technology sector and the health service are behind a plan to establish a national health innovation hub, say Economic Development Minister David Carter and Health Minister Tony Ryall. >>read more

Grant Robertson
Rheumatic fever programme misses the mark
The Government's much heralded, but underfunded, rheumatic fever throat swabbing campaign is failing before it starts, says Labour's Health spokesperson Grant Robertson.>>read more

Grant Robertson
Government no-show an insult to South Canterbury
The no-show by the Government at a public meeting in Temuka last night was an insult to the local communities, says Labour's Health spokesperson Grant Robertson. Mr Robertson was the only MP at the meeting, called to discuss the loss of after-hours GP services in Temuka and Geraldine. >>read more

21 September

Peter Dunne
Address to NZ Healthcare Summit 2011
I have been asked to speak about the Government's policy for improving the cost of medicines, access to medicines and optimising use.>>read more

Tony Ryall
Easier access to home support for older NZers
A booklet telling people how to get a needs assessment and access home support services has been sent to organisations throughout New Zealand to help ensure people have easy access to the information. >>read more

Grant Robertson
Speech to the New Zealand Healthcare Summit
I want to take the opportunity in addressing the topic today to give you an idea of my approach to the health portfolio as Labour's health spokesperson and obviously the Labour Party's and an idea of some of the priorities that we have as we move towards the general election this year. >>read more

20 September

Grant Robertson
Maternal health and wellbeing key focus of women's policy
Access to affordable and quality health services is an essential part of achieving real equality, opportunity and choice for New Zealand women, according to Labour's Health spokesperson Grant Robertson and Associate Health spokesperson Steve Chadwick. "yesterday's launch of Labour's women's policy highlights the importance of good health in enabling women to achieve their potential and recognises gender as a basic determinant of health," Grant Robertson said. >>read more

16 September

Tony Ryall
Guthrie cards to be kept indefinitely
Cards containing the blood spots from heel prick tests on newborn babies will be kept indefinitely, with greater protections on access to the cards Health Minister Tony Ryall said today. >>read more

15 September

Tony Ryall
Diabetes Get Checked programme review
The Ministry of Health is to work with experts and Diabetes New Zealand to recommend new ways to support people with diabetes. >>read more

Sue Kedgley
Joint Greens-Govt health legislation has first reading
Joint Green Party-Government legislation to ensure natural health products are safe and true to label is having its first reading in Parliament today. <<read more

14 September

Tariana Turia
Turia welcomes legislation for fulltime Disability Rights Commissioner
Tariana Turia, Minister of Disability Issues, is delighted that her original intention to appoint a full time Disability Rights Commissioner to protect and promote the rights of disabled peoples has been upheld with a new bill introduced to Parliament. >>read more

Tariana Turia
Richard Wood to lead Family Violence Taskforce
Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, Hon Tariana Turia, has welcomed Mr Richard Wood as the new Chair of the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families. >>read more

Tariana Turia
Launch of Regional Maori Health Plan
E nga mana, e nga reo, tena koutou. Ngati Toa Rangatira, Ngati Raukawa, Te Atiawa, tena koutou.This morning at 5am, there was the most brilliant full moon. It was one of those sights that make you think everything is fine with the world.>>read more

Sue Kedgley
Joint Greens-Govt health legislation has first reading
Joint Green Party-Government legislation to ensure natural health products are safe and true to label is having its first reading in Parliament today.>>read more

Grant Robertson
Government damage control raises more questions
The extraordinarily quick response from the State Services Commission following concerns around the hiring of Mervyn English and Paul McCormack raises even more questions, Labour's Health spokesperson Grant Robertson says. >>read more

Grant Robertson
State Services Commissioner must report as soon as possible
While Health Minister Tony Ryall may have sought advice from the State Services Commissioner regarding the Ministry of Health hiring Mervyn English and Paul McCormack from the State Services Commissioner, it should not be an excuse to sweep the issue under the carpet, Labour Health spokesperson Grant Robertson says. >>read more

Grant Robertson
Ryall rules out child health as a priority
It is incomprehensible that the Minister of Health is refusing to reintroduce targets to reduce the number of children being admitted to hospital with avoidable conditions, Labour's Health spokesperson Grant Robertson says. >>read more

12 September

Tariana Turia
Rheumatic fever programme launch
I am so pleased to be here at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o te Rangianiwaniwa surrounded by the wonder of all of our tamariki and mokopuna, to launch this aptly named initiative : MOKO - Manawa Ora, Korokoro Ora - a healthy heart, a healthy throat.>>read more

Tony Ryall
Cabinet approves sleepovers agreement
The Government will contribute $90 million towards phasing in the minimum wage for disability support workers on overnight sleepover shifts.>>read more

9 September

Tariana Turia
Turia Asks for Meningitis Watchfulness
There have been a number of reported cases of meningitis throughout the country and Associate Health Minister, Tariana Turia, is encouraging families, especially those with babies, young children and teenagers, to be especially vigilant. >>read more

8 September

Peter Dunne
Next Government will overhaul Misuse of Drugs Act
The near 40-year-old Misuse of Drugs Act will be overhauled and replaced and legislation developed to create a new regime for currently unregulated psychoactive substances, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne said >>read more

7 September

Tony Ryall
Extra post-quake support for Canty DHB
The Government has approved $15 million for Canterbury District Health Board to relocate Christchurch Hospital's outpatients unit and the Acute Medical Assessment Unit. >> read more

Tony Ryall and Tariana Turia
Extra funding boosts 'Say Ahh' Rheumatic fever prevention programme
School children at six Flaxmere schools will continue to have their throats swabbed whenever they get a sore throat as part of an extra $12 million of government funding to combat rheumatic fever. >>read more

Grant Robertson
Ryall rules out child health as a priority
It is incomprehensible that the Minister of Health is refusing to reintroduce targets to reduce the number of children being admitted to hospital with avoidable conditions, Labour's Health spokesperson Grant Robertson says.>> read more

6 September

Tony Ryall
Record numbers for elective surgery
A record 145,414 patients received elective surgery in the year ended July 2011 says Health Minister Tony Ryall. >>read more

Tony Ryall
Government will streamline clinical trial applications
The Government has today released its response to the Health Select Committee's Inquiry into improving New Zealand's environment to support innovation through clinical trials. >>read more

5 September

Peter Dunne
Dunne announces NZ Medicines Formulary
Health professionals will soon have access to an up-to-date, comprehensive and New Zealand-specific medicines information resource, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne announced today. >>read more

 Grant Robertson
Cost of after-hours medical care still too much for many Kiwis
The announcement of a new model for after-hours medical services in Auckland will address some issues for those in the city but it still leaves inconsistencies in accessibility and affordability, says Labour's Health spokesperson Grant Robertson. >>read more

 2 September

Tony Ryall
Technology to improve patient safety in primary care
Health Minister Tony Ryall is today launching a new electronic health record which will give doctors instant access to the medical history of new patients.>>read more

Tariana Turia
Maori Medical Practitioners Association
It is a great pleasure to be in the company of a group of people dedicated to improving Maori health. And it is both a credit to this organisation, and the initiatives you have pioneered, that I am told there are now over 250 Maori students and medical practitioners currently registered with Te Ora.>>read more

Tariana Turia
New Human Rights Commissioner appointed for disability issues
Justice Minister Simon Power and Minister for Disability Issues Tariana Turia have today announced the appointment of Paul Gibson as a part-time Human Rights Commissioner responsible for disability issues. >>read more

 1 September

Kevin Hague
SkyCity winds back clock on smoking
The Green Party supports ASH and the Problem Gambling Foundation's opposition to SkyCity Casino's plan to open an enclosed smoking pokies balcony.Green Party spokesperson for health and gambling Kevin Hague said it was very disappointing the casino had found a way to circumvent the law to target vulnerable gamblers.>>read more

Tony Ryall
New dialysis unit for Whakatane
Health Minister Tony Ryall today opened a new dialysis unit at Whakatane Hospital giving patients better access to this life sustaining treatment closer to home.