Hon Peter Dunne's Address to Open Day at CiMunro, Hamilton
7 September 2009

1pm, Friday, 4 September

Tena koutou katoa, and good afternoon. It is wonderful to see so many representatives from the oral health sector here, including from DHBs and the Ministry of Health, and also the representatives from CiMunro, who have kindly invited me here to speak today.

It brings me great pleasure to be here at this event to showcase the new Mobile Oral Health Units, constructed by this company. However, before talking about the significance of these newly constructed facilities, I would like to take a few moments to reflect on where this has all come from.

Several years ago, the Ministry of Health ran a survey of dental facilities in New Zealand- expecting that perhaps some children’s dental clinics may need a lick of paint, and others may need a few extra chairs. Well, this survey sent the Ministry and the Government on quite a journey- which, we are happy to say, has had some positive outcomes, of which CiMunro’s constructions are only a small part. We expect these outcomes will be making a definite difference for many of our communities for years to come.

As a result of the Ministry’s survey, the oral health strategic vision was launched in 2006 aiming for “Good oral health for all, for life”. Shortly afterwards, DHBs began to develop plans to improve child and adolescent oral health services in their regions, which included refurbishing school dental clinics and constructing mobile units to support these facilities.

I am pleased to say that this Government has completed the assessment of DHB oral health business cases. Around $116 million of capital funding and up to $40 million per annum of operational funding has now been committed and funds are being released to DHBs. I am also happy to announce that a Memorandum of Understanding, governing the use of mobile examination clinics on school sites, has recently been agreed between the Ministries of Health and Education.

And so to today.

CiMunro (and thus Action Motor Bodies) was contracted by DHBNZ to construct 94 mobile oral health clinics as part of the investment in oral health services for children and young people. These mobile units are to be purchased by all 21 DHBs, and it is my pleasure to acknowledge representatives from Wairarapa, West Coast and Otago DHBs who will be purchasing three of the displayed units today.

CiMunro has constructed four different models of mobile oral health clinic, both towable and drivable, which provide both surgical and examination services. It is our hope and expectation that these units will enable more young people to have more regular access to dental check ups, and to better quality diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment. I understand that the DHBs have also negotiated collective contracts with five suppliers of dental equipment to ensure that all mobile units have up-to-date equipment at a good price.
Investment in oral health services for young people is crucial for improving the oral health of communities, as there is much evidence that shows that poor oral health in children extends into adulthood. It is expected that CiMunro’s mobile examination and treatment units will play a key part improving children’s oral health and reducing oral health inequalities throughout New Zealand communities. It will be each DHB’s responsibility to ensure that the areas with the highest level of need benefit from the services and preventative strategies offered by the mobile units.
I am aware around 94 mobile clinics are being ordered around the country to support the upgraded fixed-site dental clinics. I commend the work of all 21 DHBs, in association with District Health Boards New Zealand, in working collaboratively to develop a joint purchasing strategy. I also acknowledge that DHBs are working hard to ensure that the new mobile clinics are staffed with the right mix of health professionals committed to providing high-quality care to children and young people. Very soon, the signage and logos for child and adolescent health services will be ready to adorn the mobile units, making them ready to go out on the road.
Of course, I also commend CiMunro for putting themselves behind this project and for their hard work in constructing these four mobile oral health units. In these difficult economic times it is also heartening that a local firm has secured this important revenue stream. I expect that this work will also provide useful learning and expertise development for the company.
This open day provides the first opportunity for representatives in the oral health sector to view and compare the different styles and features of the units. I am certain that many young New Zealanders, and eventually many adults, will benefit from the services offered by these mobile clinics, and I am grateful to CiMunro for the part it has played in making this possible.

These mobile units will be part of a significant change for many New Zealanders, both service providers and service users. It is, therefore, my great pleasure to showcase the four new types of mobile oral health clinics constructed by CiMunro. I trust you all enjoy your afternoon and thank you very much for inviting me to this occasion.

ends.

Contact: Mark Stewart, Press Secretary, 021 243 6985