From the press room
Turner backs call for detox centres – 2008-04-15
UnitedFuture health spokesperson Judy Turner is backing the call from the Police Association for detoxification centres to be provided for drunken people taken into custody by police.
“The Association is quite right,” she says, “the police are not there to act as health professionals, they should not be the place of first resort to deal with the problems of drunks who may have health problems.
“The problem has been recognised since 1966 at least and detox centres have been allowed for but never funded.
“As Association president Greg O’Connor says “The Health Ministry has a responsibility to provide proper facilities for these people, and it’s time they stopped expecting police to provide a free health service they are not equipped to perform.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” says Mrs Turner.
Ends
Contact: Judy Turner, MP
Tel: 04 470 6992