Area health boards not compulsory measure

Press, 11 October 1982, Page 4

Area health boards not compulsory measure

PA Tatiranga The Government will not force health administrators to establish area health boards, says the Minister of Health. Mr Malcolm. Formation of the boards, which will do the work performed by hospital boards and district health offices, would he a "totally voluntary process.” After addressing a regional management training seminar at Tauranga Hosptal. Mr Malcolm said that the allocation of health funds would not be used to encourage the formation of area boards. He said that he hoped to

introduce legislation allowing the establishment of such boards before the end of the parliamentary session. Legislation could then be examined by a Select Committee during the parliamentary recess and possibly enacted" next year. "The Cabinet has approved the proposal in principle." Mr Malcolm said. "However, the approval is subject to the resolving of the funding issues. The department is talking to employer and employee groups about their views on the proposal at present. "I do not see the proposal proceeding unless it can be demonstrated that it brings

real advantages without substantial added costs." The old and new health administration systems would be able to co-exist in different areas, said Mr Malcolm. "It certainly will not concern me if some hospital boards are still operating in 10 years time. "What I am looking for is the most flexible and responsible way of providing good health services . . . I am not prepared to do any pushing or shoving. "I believe by making the decision a voluntary one health administrators "will be prepared to look at the facts." Mr Malcolm said