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 Home Campaigns Put Health First News
Health is about more than just hospital beds15 February 2005HSU WA branch vice president Cheryl Hamill has written an article calling for voters to consider more than bed numbers and dollars when they decide who to vote for:
"Health is more than doctors and nurses, more than hospital beds. Health is a social justice issue, a system staffed by caring and committed staff, a state of mind, a passport to the enjoyment of life. Those of us who work in the health system know this and see it daily. Health and education are central to the election campaigns of all developed economies. A couple of reasons why this is so: Research shows that life expectancy rises by as much as 2 years for every 1 per cent increase in literacy." As well the U.S. death rate for those with fewer than twelve years of education is 2.5 times higher than the rate of those with thirteen years of education or more. The question of which policy offers more to health is therefore more than just how much (money) and how many (beds). It is more than the health policy itself. When you make your choices, consider the commitment to social justice issues more broadly. Consider policies that have been made on industrial relations 'reform', public sector employment reductions, a commitment (or lack of it) to following through on a reform agenda. Look for policies that will deliver a quality health system that respects the fact that such a system can only be delivered by staff who are valued and respected, who are able to balance work / life demands, who are partners in the process. Policies that promote excellence and not just change for the sake of change. Policies that deliver a range of health services equitably across geographical and social strata. Vote with your heart and vote with your mind. Your decision is important for health." HSU WA vice president Cheryl Hamill Contact Details Health Services Union of Australia hsu@hsu.net.au |
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© 2003 Health Services Union (HSU) |
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