9 November 2001 News Update

BLAME THE SYSTEM, NOT THE DOCTOR

The high number of complaints against doctors to the health and disability commissioner this year reflects a health system failing to meet the needs of patients or doctors, the RNZCGP says. Issues that effect quality of care are varied and include whether there are enough GPs in a given area and whether people can afford to access primary care through to access to laboratories and hospitals. College president Helen Rodenburg says the increase is not evidence of decreasing competence among doctors, it is evidence of the increasing pressure the health system is placing on all health professionals and their patients.

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