Putting Patients First

Patients should be at the centre of all health services. Whether you’ve got a broken bone, the winter flu, or a baby on the way, it’s important you get the care you need.

The National-led Government inherited a public health system with significant staffing, service and financial problems. The health budget doubled in nine years, but there was little improvement in services. This is unacceptable so we asked some of the most experienced doctors and managers in the health sector to recommend how to best improve our public health system.

The independent group’s report recognises that to improve frontline health services we need more input from frontline staff. There are also recommendations to strengthen clinical leadership and clinical networks. It’s vital that our doctors and nurses are involved in running the health system.

The report proposes consolidating back office functions across the 21 District Health Boards to harness the power of bulk buying. We don’t need 21 payrolls, 21 approaches to IT, and 21 procurement systems. It also proposes cutting by two thirds the number of committees that advise the Health Ministry.

The Government will not accept anything that increases bureaucracy and takes resources away from frontline health services. We’re going to do what’s best for patients. We’ll ensure District Health Boards have the same autonomy they’ve always had to plan and fund local health services within the Government’s priorities.

We want your feedback – people should write to the Health Minister’s office by 18 September. Cabinet will consider the report’s recommendations over the next couple of months.

National is committed to delivering better, sooner, more convenient healthcare for you and your family. To do this, we’re building a strong and enduring public health system based on need.

Just as families and businesses are tightening their belts and economising in the current economic times, the health system needs to do the same. But this won’t be done at the expense of frontline services. We need to deliver greater efficiency and productivity, so we need to take suggestions that could deliver that seriously. Any savings we make in health will be reinvested into health.

Your health, and the health of your family, is an important priority for National. We are committed to putting patients first and building a healthier future for all New Zealanders.