Media release from ASMS

"The initiative announced today by Health Minister Tony Ryall provides a positive challenge for the health system for which senior doctors will be keen to contribute" said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

"We welcome the Minister's commitment that health spending will not be reduced but rather health spending reviewed with the focus on effectiveness and redirection towards front line clinical services."

"Equally important is the focus on reviewing the benefits and transaction costs of some of the reporting and accountability functions.  Some of these activities take up much valuable time and effort for questionable benefit."

"Rather than see this as a threat, it is a timely opportunity to review the performance and quality of our health system which arguably is the most complex and challenging sector in New Zealand."

"There is an enormous amount of expertise and experience in the health system that is often excluded from decision-making.  We hope that Mr Ryall will ensure that this review is an opportunity to turn this around."

"The success or otherwise of this exercise depends on whether the Minister's group engages thoroughly with health professionals and incorporates their advice into its recommendations to the Health Minister" concluded Mr Powell.