The new health system announcements
On 21 April Ministers Hon Andrew Little, Hon Peeni Henare and Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall announced the Government’s response to the Health and Disability System Review.
To summarise the decisions:
- all DHBs will be replaced by one national organisation, Health NZ, from 1 July 2022, when DHB employees will transfer to the new organisation
- A new Māori Health Authority will have the power to commission health services, monitor the state of Māori health and develop policy
- A new Public Health Agency will be created within Health New Zealand
- A strengthened Ministry of Health will monitor performance and advise Government
Nelson Marlborough Health Chief Executive Lexie O'Shea offers the following response to the announcements:
"As the Minister of Health Hon Andrew little has clearly articulated, these reforms are about building a smarter, fairer, national health system.
"The leadership team at Nelson Marlborough Health has supported the intentions of the review since the beginning. What matters most is that people in our region receive the best possible care and support, and that this is offered equitably.
"It’s important the people know that the eventual disestablishment of a DHB, as a structure, does not mean the disestablishment of healthcare, as a service. Your community, primary and secondary health and disability services continue – now and in the future under the Government’s reform plan where DHB employees transfer to the new agency, Health New Zealand, on 1 July 2022.
"Our community will have lots of questions, many of which we cannot answer at this stage of the reforms. People might find what they are looking for in the Government’s public information package; the FAQ on the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website is a good starting point.
"Like all DHBs, Nelson Marlborough Health will work closely with the Government on the design and implementation of the reforms. We will continue to work collaboratively with our South Island and primary and community healthcare partners as we transition towards the new structure and system."
The FAQ that Ms O'Shea refers to is here [links to external website]
Here are some links to more information about the health system changes:
- The Ministers’ press release summarising the announcements this morning
- 12 different factsheets about the implementation roadmap, the voice of communities and consumers, Health NZ, primary and community care, hospitals and specialist services, public health and more
- A more detailed White Paper outlining the reforms