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The future of health hits the road

The future of health hits the road

  • 08 Nov 2021
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Aotearoa has a high-quality publicly funded health system and a highly skilled, dedicated and professional health workforce.

However, there are opportunities to make improvements.

For some population groups, in particular Māori, Pacific peoples and people with disabilities, it results in poorer health compared to others in New Zealand.

The Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill lays the foundation for the transformation of our health system to support all New Zealanders to live longer and have the best possible quality of life.

Its purpose is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all New Zealanders; achieve equity by reducing health disparities among New Zealand’s population groups; and build towards pae ora (healthy futures) for all New Zealanders.

The future system will be supported by a clear set of expectations and guidelines for how local, regional and national organisations should listen to and involve communities and consumers.

After a very successful series of events across the South Island, the Future of Health information sessions roadshow for people in the health sector is moving to the North Island, from November 8-17.

Deputy Director of the Health Transition Unit Martin Hefford says almost 1000 people attended the six South Island events hosted by the Health Reform Transition Unit.  

"We had people attending either virtually or in-person who came from right across the health system,” Martin says.

“The people I talked to over a cuppa at the conclusion of the events all seemed to be very pleased they were able to attend, and appreciative that we had come to visit to provide an overview and update on the health reform and the progress being made to transform the system," Martin said.

The Health Reform Transition Unit will host 18 events in the North Island, starting in Hamilton on November 8.

The sessions are designed for those people working in the broader health system who have not yet had a chance to catch up on the health reforms or want to know more detail about the related reform work programme and how things are progressing.

They will provide an overview of the reforms, the key initiatives currently underway and those coming up, as well as how to stay informed about further opportunities to get involved.

Attendees also have the chance to ask questions too.

COVID-19 alert levels have restricted in-person sessions some North Island locations, so the roadshow is a mixture of in-person and entirely virtual sessions.

The registration links for the next set of North Island Future of Health information sessions are now live – this is for in-person and virtual events.  

Health Minister Hon Andrew Little and Associate Minister for Health Hon Peeni Henare will also attend some of the North Island sessions – either in person or virtually.

Health sector workers are encouraged to attend the sessions, Martin says. 

“People in the health sector workforce are not only central to but critical in delivering the health system transformation.

“It is really important staff at all levels know what the reforms will deliver for them and for the people, whānau and communities they care for,” he adds.  

Registration links: 

  • Hamilton: November 8, 11am – Register here (online only event)
  • Matamata: November 9, 11am – Register here (online only event)
  • Te Kuiti: November 10, 11am – Register here (online only event)
  • Taupo: November 11, 11am – Taupo Events Centre and online: Register here (RSVP by November 8)
  • Tauranga:  November 15, 11am – Venue TBC and online: Register here (RSVP by November 11)
  • Whakatane: November 16, 11am – Whakatane Memorial Hall and online: Register here (RSVP by November 11)
  • Hutt Valley: November 17, 11am – Lower Hutt Events Centre and online: Register  here (RSVP by November 12)

Meanwhile, the Health Quality and Safety Commission (HQSC) recently launched the consumer health forum Aotearoa.  

The forum is part of the Consumer Voice work stream for the HQSC and the transition unit for the health system reforms and includes developing code of expectations and responsibilities for public consultation; Creating Hub, centre of excellence, methods of engagement; and establishing the National Consumer Forum.

This network of health consumers aims to make the health system consumer focused by sharing health experiences and connecting with all levels of the health and disability system. 

Sign up for the forum here