Dr Morgan's Prescription - Will you sign up?

I've put together a prescription for weaning the public health system of frequent cash injections. Until politicians, administrators and health administrators accept it I think we are doomed to experience the ills of the past.

My prescription contains 14 lines in the sand that I believe we need to embrace to move forward.

Will you sign up?

1. I understand there will never be enough money to fund all our healthcare demands, which are growing faster than our ability to pay.
2. I believe we spend enough on the health system, the benefits obtained from an additional dollar are marginal.
3. I believe that the purpose of our health system is Longer, Healthier Lives For All.
4. I concur that the budget is limited and should be focused on getting the greatest improvement in our collective health and lifespan.
5. This is likely to happen if we do simple treatments well, rather than expecting every new-fangled treatment via the public health system.
6. I think there should be a formal, non-political process to oversee prioritisation, which should informed by evidence with input from health workers and the public. I don't think it should be left to politicians.
7. I know that this prioritisation process will probably lead to a heavy investment in prevention and early intervention, particularly for the young, Maori and Pacific Islanders, and those on lower incomes. It may also mean fewer hospitals and less end-of-life treatment. But all these are necessary to correct current anomalies and inequities.
8. In order to make progress I call for government to review what services need to be provided where, and to reshape the DHB administration, as well as the hospital and primary 'super-centre' capital plan around this. I want to see the allocation decisions de-politicised.
9. When I consult my health professional they should be up front about the downsides and risks of medical treatment, and if they are not then I will ask. I know I shouldn't just assume any treatment is guaranteed to improve my condition.
10. I undertake to talk to my family about what I value in my health, and the circumstances I consider it appropriate to withdraw treatment and begin to focus on caring instead. I don't want to be kept alive at all costs and my family needs to respect my wishes.
11. I know that a working health system is more than having a local hospital filled with doctors and nurses: the individual, community and government are just as important as the health workers in having a healthy population.
12. I know that a healthy public health system needs both administrators and health workers, and administrators should empower health workers to spend as much time as possible doing what they do best.
13. I accept that we need to treat obesity as we have dealt with smoking. This may mean being a bit of nanny state, in order to avoid becoming a nursery state.
14. I believe that individuals are ultimately responsible for their own health.