Getting healthcare right

Our media frequently encourage us to feel a sense of pride in our national airline, Air New Zealand.

I believe that most of us do so, as it has an international reputation that is widely recognised and deserved.

Decades ago we had a health service that had an international reputation similar to that of our flagship carrier. Sadly this is no longer the case.

If Air New Zealand was to operate at the level of our health service now, I suggest that many would be reluctant to fly with it.

How did we get to this sad and serious situation?

Air New Zealand is funded directly by those who use it while our health service is funded indirectly by those who do so. Our Government has a significant stake in both organisations.

Why should this result in such different outcomes? The safety of New Zealanders is involved when using both organisations and yet the public perception of the two is very different and the service they are able to deliver is as well.

Here in Southland we are very aware of the stumbling progress being made by the Southern District Health Board of late.

From board to commissioner and now back to board.

Does anyone believe that this will make any difference while funding is managed as it is?

Real change, in place of platitudes, is needed and in election year those with influence should see that this happens. We deserve nothing less.

I wonder if our Government has what it takes to return our public health service to delivering a standard of service that matches Air New Zealand’s, so that staff who work with their feet on the ground can feel the same pride as those who fly above it?

Daniel Phillips, Invercargill