A significant milestone in the progress to reform Aotearoa New Zealand’s health system was marked recently with the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill passing its third reading at Parliament. This is the last stage before the Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes law.
The Bill sets out the key legislative changes that are the foundations of transformational reform, paving the way for a consistent, coherent, and fair health system. The legislation, once it comes into effect on 1 July, establishes Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority as permanent entities to replace the DHB system, establishes the Public Health Agency within the Ministry of Health and strengthens the stewardship role of the Ministry. It also recognises iwi-Māori Partnership Boards for the first time.
For more information on the third reading, see links below.
By putting a focussed Rural Health Strategy in the Pae Ora Healthy Futures legislation alongside strategies for Māori, Pasifika, women and people with disabilities, Health Minister Andrew Little has given rural people hope that the inequities that arise in outcomes for people who live at a distance from main centres will become more clearly known to the system, and work will be done to fill the gap. Legislation like this does not come around frequently and this is the first time the importance of rural health and wellbeing has been recognised in this way.
The re-inclusion is a real game changer which will have impact for many years to come. It is one Pinnacle strongly supported, with our medical director Dr Jo Scott-Jones supporting the RGPN submission to the health committee last year, and through our participation in the Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand (RHAANZ) annual “RuralFest” taking a strong rural voice into the corridors of power to talk to cross party politicians.
Read more in this coverage: A victory for rural health, Dairy News 14 June 2022 and Rural health U-turn, Rural News, 7 June 2022.
People Pānui newsletter - 26 July
The latest issue includes an update from the chief executives', health reform updates , key information for Te Whatu Ora operational updates, and more.
Our new health system - 25 July
Read this update on key health reform work programmes across Health New Zealand, the Māori Health Authority and the DPMC Health Reform Transition Unit.
Timing
You can access the overall timeline on the Future of Health website.
For more information
Visit the Future of Health website.
Hayley Scott, GP Owner writes on how she feels about making the shift to Health Care Home.
Read moreA new Ministry for Disabled People will be set up as the government rolls out a different approach to support services and brings in a new law to make Aotearoa more accessible.
Read moreThis programme provides funding for a general practice review of patients who are waiting longer than expected on selected Waikato DHB waitlists.
View detailsDeath Documents is an online service which allows doctors and nurse practitioners to complete these forms online.