Putting Patient First
Initiatives announced this week underscore the Government’s commitment to fix New Zealand’s broken healthcare system, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“We are relentlessly focused on improving health outcomes and ensuring Kiwis have access to timely, quality healthcare.
“That’s why we are spending more on health than ever before – a record $30 billion each year.
“Making it easier for people to see a doctor or nurse at their local GP clinic in a timely manner is a key part of this.
“That’s why I announced a significant package this week to improve access to primary care and boost the primary care workforce, including:
“Strengthening urgent and after-hours care will also be a focus of mine as part of our plan to enable faster access to primary care, and work on this is underway.
“We are also focused on delivering better outcomes for those with cancer, including earlier detection of cancers through screening programmes.
“This week, I was pleased to announce that the Government has agreed to progressively lower the age of eligibility for bowel cancer screening tests to align with Australia, which is 45 years old. By delivering the first step of lowering the age to 58, more lives will be saved.
“We know that improving screening rates is crucial, which is why we also announced a significant investment for targeted initiatives that aim to increase screening rates among population groups with low rates, such as Māori, Asian, and Pacific Peoples.
“This follows our decision to extend breast screening to women aged 70 to 74 and our $604 million boost to Pharmac over four years to deliver new cancer treatments and medicines.
“Finally this week, I outlined my key five priorities as Minister of Health to put the focus firmly back on patients:
“Our plan supports our Government’s wider commitment to rebuild the economy, restore law and order, and deliver better health, education, and infrastructure for every New Zealander. Kiwis want action, and I am focused on delivering real change at pace.
“We will not stop until our health system delivers timely, quality care to all New Zealanders.”
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/putting-patient-first