Health

Working Papers on Health

16 May 2010 - 11:34

The documents below outline key issues facing the funding of the New Zealand health sector.
Working Paper No.1 is by independent researcher and policy analyst Lyndon Keene and details the impact of New Zealand's ageing population on health costs.

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Sick employees need support, not harassment

16 Nov 2010 - 12:08

Sickness regulations should ensure that employees are supported on health issues and have time off if required, said the CTU today in response to the Treasury reports on sick leave.

CTU Vice President Richard Wagstaff said: “It is important that people have a clear entitlement to sick leave.

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CTU regrets Snedden’s departure

5 Nov 2010 - 12:21

The CTU is disappointed to hear that Pat Snedden will not have the opportunity to continue as Chair of Auckland DHB despite wanting to remain in the role.

“Pat Snedden has made an invaluable contribution to the Health Sector and his skill, acumen and leadership will be sadly lost in a sector which needs these qualities now more than ever,” said CTU Vice President Richard Wagstaff.

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Government to cut minimum wages? 6.10.10

6 Oct 2010 - 11:41

The refusal today by [Health] Minister Tony Ryall to rule out amending the Minimum Wage Act is a very worrying signal that minimum wages could be cut in this country, CTU President Helen Kelly said.

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DHB head resignation a symptom of inadequate health funding 6.8.10

6 Aug 2010 - 15:36

The resignation of the Chief Executive of Capital and Coast District Health Board, Ken Whelan, unfortunately confirms the CTU’s analysis of the funding shortfall in the May Health budget. That analysis showed that the budget required the system to provide new services but on the same budget as last year in real terms.

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Minister of Health cannot have his cake and eat it 16.6.10

16 Jun 2010 - 12:55

Minister of Health Tony Ryall’s statement in Parliament yesterday, which implied that the Health budget is both keeping up with inflation and demographic change and will deliver “massively improved front-line services”, does not withstand scrutiny, says the CTU.

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Well over $100 million cuts in health services on the cards 3.6.10

3 Jun 2010 - 11:08

Health services across New Zealand face cuts of well over $100 million in the year ahead, says the CTU as deeper analysis of the Budget Health Vote reveals the full extent of the funding shortfall and the reality of ‘reprioritised savings’, inflation, and cost shifting from ACC.

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At least $555m more needed for Health to just stand still 16.5.10

16 May 2010 - 10:13

An analysis of health expenditure released today estimates the Health vote in the Budget will need to be increased by at least $555 million just to keep pace with population growth, ageing, new treatments, new technology, and increases in general costs, pharmaceuticals, and salaries.

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Ideology and corporate profits drive PPPs, not economics 15.4.10

15 Apr 2010 - 16:47

Experience in the UK and Australia shows that Public Private Partnerships are a recipe for profiteering, higher costs to the taxpayer, and loss of control for school principals, said CTU Economist and Policy Director Bill Rosenberg today.

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CTU saddened by McKernan departure from Health Ministry 9.3.10

9 Mar 2010 - 13:25

The CTU today expressed its disappointment at the departure of the Director General of Health Stephen McKernan and recorded its gratitude to him for the skill and commitment he has shown in leading such an important public service.

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