New Zealand’s Health Minister today released the final report of the Health and Disability System Review, which makes a series of far-reaching recommendations.
“The Report makes it clear we have a very good health and disability system – as has been shown by the outstanding performance of our health services in response to COVID-19,” Health Minister Dr David Clark said.
“But it also confirms that our health services and workforce are under considerable stress and our system is complex and fragmented.
“One of the key lessons of COVID-19 was the importance of a strong public health service. That is what this Review has been all about.
“It sets out a path towards a better, more sustainable health system with clear lines of accountability. One that is more responsive to the needs of local communities and that better tailors services to the way that people live their lives.
“This is particularly important when it comes to improving health outcomes for those most in need including Māori, Pacific people, the disabled and rural communities.
“We need our health and disability services to work well for everyone,” David Clark said.
The Review’s recommendations include:
- Shifting to a greater focus on population health
- Creating a new Crown Entity, provisionally called Health NZ, focused on operational delivery of health and disability services and financial performance
- Reducing the number of DHBs from the current 20 down to 8-12 within five years, and moving to fully appointed Boards
- Creating a Māori Health Authority to advise on all aspects of Māori Health policy and to monitor and report on the performance of the system with respect to Māori
- Greater integration between primary and community care and hospital/specialist services
