The primary care amplification model: taking the best of primary care forward

Background: Primary care internationally is approaching a new paradigm. The change agenda implicit in this threatens to de-stabilise and challenge established general practice and primary care

Whom is sustainable development for ? Deliberative democracy and the role of unions

Agenda 21 (UNCED, 1992) highlighted the role unions and workers might play in fostering the principles of sustainable development. It targeted the movement's traditional focus on human rights, equity, democracy and fair, decent and sustainable employment. The international union discourse on sustainable development that preceded the WSSD (2002) indicated that unions see themselves as part of a social movement towards deliberative democracy focused on sustainable development. The paper draws upon an evolving research relationship between academics and the union movement in New Zealand. The inquiry examines conceptions of sustainable development held by union members; how the concept relates to the workplace in New Zealand; what function it may play in 'union renewal' and the potential role of unions in promoting sustainable development in the workplace and broader community. In this initial paper, an account is provided of conceptions of sustainable development held by senior union officials in New Zealand. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

The contest for a community diagnostic laboratory contract in New Zealand: The influence of neo-liberalism in the public health sector

Introduction: The purpose of this paper was to examine the management of contracting for a diagnostic laboratory health service for the Auckland region in New Zealand, using the concept of governmentality. Methods: Our aim is to provide an overview of a recent case of neoliberal policy implementation, to illustrate how unintended and costly policy outcomes can occur. Results: Despite the effort of government to improve management of the public health sector, analysis of this case reveals the potentially disruptive effects and costs of neo-liberal reform policy. Conclusions: In this study, the costs of neo-liberal reform appear to have unintentionally prevailed over benefits for those the system was designed to serve. Contribution to knowledge: This research has practical implications in that it provides insight into potential and costly outcomes when implementing public health service policy. © W. S. Maney & Son Ltd 2014