United was instrumental in instigating the Mason report and wishes to see it implemented in full. At the same time they believe this can only occur if it is done with a high degree of independence. Managed Care While managed care as a principle for health delivery is supported, the specific manner in which the model should work remains open for further discussion. The features seen to be of advantage include an ability to focus on developing a healthy population through a family focus, the co-ordination of health and promotion activities, the potential to integrate secondary care, and some potential for savings in the medium term. Accountability for achieving good outcomes is important within this model, but in reality is hard to achieve.
Incentives are likely to be required to encourage greater responsibility.
Summary The United Party wishes to create a top quality health care system focussed on health promotion and primary care. Within this system public health, healthy children, research, and new initiatives are the priorities. Particular issues to be addressed include equity, Maori health and mental health. Resourcing issues need to be addressed, to ensure equity as a route to tackling health status issues, particularly amongst Maori. Nonetheless a need for greater focus on the community and wider links with other agencies, particularly education and social welfare, will be encouraged.