Summaries of United Future's position papers are available by clicking a link below

GENETIC MODIFICATION   1. General Principles   2. Family   3. Education   4. Health   5. Finding Futures   6. Economy   7. Law & Order   8. Immigration   9. Electoral System 10. New Zealand Superannuation 11. Drug Abuse & Dependency 12. Golden Plan for Positive Ageing 13. Treaty Issues 14. Caring for Kids 15. Young New Zealanders 16. Information Technology 17. Environment 18. Transport 19. Arts & Culture 20. Local Government 21. Emergency Services 22. Foreign Affairs & Defence 23. Government that Works

United Future will build a health system which promotes healthy living and excellence in the delivery of medical treatment. We believe that public health begins in the community and in each family. By supporting the communities and families within New Zealand, rather than yet another round of reforms, United Future will promote healthy living. We believe in preventative strategies including education; immunisation; availability of services; healthy eating exercise and balanced lifestyles; and a strong emphasis on alcohol and drug abuse prevention.

United Future will:

• commit to publicly funding 80% of primary health expenditure
• support the concept of a public hospital model and ensure that the Public Health Service assumes a key role in the provision of vital health services, such as complex surgery and high technological operations and procedures
• promote immunisation through home visits, community welfare organisations and school-based programmes
• target young children's healthcare, by concentrating on the overall health of mothers before and after birth and ensuring high quality care and support, including home visits
• establish health clinics in schools where medical and counselling professionals will provide specialist services and support young people in need
• promote greater preventative and basic restorative dental care in the young and at-risk groups
• develop more effective campaigns to reduce the use of illegal substances and provide comprehensive support to users in order to reduce the risk to themselves and society
• develop the Mental Health Commission's role in creating a long-term strategic plan. A balance has to be struck between home-based, inpatient care and the use of community sanctuaries to prevent people becoming a danger to themselves and society
• provide better incentives for the nursing, rehabilitation and treatment of the elderly in non-medical institutions, such as resthomes, at home and in retirement villages.

If you require more information about this or other United Future policies, please contact the United Future NZ Parliamentary Unit, Parliament Buildings, Wellington; email ; telephone (04) 471 9041.