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Health Minister Meets with Ohariu Community
The following achievements were outlined by the Minister:
• improved access to elective surgery
• greatly improved low cost access to primary health care
• significant pay increases for key health sector employees, particularly doctors and nurses – to improve recruitment and retention
• a capital building programme for hospitals
• greater emphasis on improving access and outcomes for high needs groups, such as Maori, Pacific Island, and low income groups
In the primary care sector, incentives have been re-aligned - capitation-based funding provides incentives for doctors to keep patients well, thus supporting fewer visits to the doctor.
There is a focus to engage a wider range of health care providers in the primary sector, and to improve the linkages between General Practitioners, allied health professionals, primary health organizations, and district health boards.
The Government has also been active in the secondary sector:
• The mandate has been broadened from the provision of hospital services, to improving the overall health of the population
• There is much good service delivery; however there may be too much variability. The government recognises that the improvement of quality is required, and is an increasing focus on this.
• The Minister intends to actively foster collaboration between small and larger boards and emphasise the need for more regional focus
Recruitment and retention issues remain within the industry, and pay in the health sector continues to be a difficult area. The Labour Government recognises this, and is committed to getting improvements through in future.
Charles is pictured at the meeting with (from left to right), Ohariu Campaign Manager, Diane Salter; Hon David Cunliffe; and Chair of the Ohariu LEC, Ash Bhasin.