‘Monumental change’ GP backs DHB shake-up but warns it must be done right
The health system overhaul could bring about “monumental change” according to a Rotorua GP, but it must be implemented correctly to avoid “complete disaster”.
Health Minister Andrew Little yesterday announced New Zealand’s 20 District Health Boards would be replaced by a central national body from July 2022.
A Ma¯ori Health Authority would be set up to monitor the state of Ma¯ori health and commission services directly.
Three Lakes GP Dr Cate Mills was astounded when she first heard of the changes.
Mills said she understood and respected the need to overhaul the health system.
“A monumental change really, and hopefully it gives us an opportunity to do it right.
“It is a really brave decision, it is a big and bold decision, and I respect the need to change and to overhaul the system. And I just hope that will be done in a way that remains keeping patient care at the focus.”
She said it could be innovative and transformative, and also had “the potential to be a complete disaster”.
There was a risk that local voices could be lost in the health system overhaul.
However, she hoped that it would result in better health care and coordination of healthcare for people in the Lakes District.
Lakes District Health Board member Merepeka Raukawa-tait, who is also the Whanau Ora Wha¯nau Ora Commissioning Agency chairwoman, said the move was a “significant shake-up” and an attempt to fix a health system that had not served New Zealanders well — particularly Ma¯ori.
“This is a courageous move by the Government,” she said.
“I have watched in despair the lack of improvement in Ma¯ori health outcomes for the last 20 years irrespective of how much funding was provided to DHBS. Reports of systemic racism within the health system have hindered progress.”
She said the proposed independent Ma¯ori Health Authority would have a major role in monitoring the performance of the overhauled, redesigned system.
Email editor@dailypost.co.nz to have your say. Responses may be
published.
“I am not sorry to see the DHBS go, they have proved to be costly, with the inability to provide consistent high-quality services across the country.
“There is a lot of detail to be worked through but I applaud the Government and Health Minister Little who know we can do better and are prepared to do something no about it now”.
Lakes DHB chief executive Nick
Saville-wood said the organisation was committed to working with the Government on the implementation of these changes.
It would continue to work collaboratively through the transition towards the new structure and system, he said.
“We remain committed to improving health equity for Ma¯ori, one of our strategic objectives under our refreshed health strategy Te Manawa Rahi.”
Bay of Plenty National MP Todd Muller said he struggled to see how the changes outlined by the Government would help the region.
“I have no confidence that a bureaucracy in Wellington is going to have any ability to support our community,” he said.
“I think local DHBS have the ability to understand and fund local services. Losing that connection will reduce health outcomes for my community.”
Meanwhile, Ma¯ ori Party co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewapacker welcomed the health reform announcement.
Waititi described it as a “courageous move” in the right direction.
“We applaud the admission that the current system no longer serves our needs and we also applaud the
intention to address inequities and living up to the vision of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”
Ngarewa-packer said over the next two and half years they would “keep the government accountable” to its commitments.
Waiariki Labour MP Tamati Coffey said a new Ma¯ori Health Authority would have a unique, independent Ma¯ori voice. It would be able to commission for services, and to grow kaupapa Ma¯ori he said.
“By Ma¯ori, for Ma¯ori .
services and
innovation,
. . supported wholeheartedly by our Government.”
Bay of Plenty DHB board chairwoman Sharon Shea said the changes had the potential to change the landscape and impact of the health system.