What does it mean for you?
The Government’s vision is to create a system which provides pae ora (healthy futures) for all New Zealanders.
In practice this means ensuring access to community support services, specialist services no matter where you live, and digital services from home.
The Government also intends to honour Te Tiriti principles and obligations, and make sure we have a valued, well-supported and trained workforce.
Health Minister Andrew Little says the reforms are about creating a smarter, fairer, national health system – not about cutting spending or reducing the workforce.
“We need greater investment in health, not less, and more, not fewer, people working in the future health system.”
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHANGES?
Health NZ
Our 20 current District Health Boards will be replaced by a new entity called Health NZ, which will be responsible for delivering a national health service including running hospitals.
Four regional divisions will complement national planning and consistent delivery of service across the country with local tailoring of primary and community care.
Māori Health Authority
A new Māori Health Authority will have the power to directly commission health services, monitor the state of Māori health and develop policy and strategy for Māori together with the Ministry of Health.
Public Health Agency
A new Public Health Agency will be created within the Ministry of Health. The agency will provide national leadership on public health and strategy. It will respond to epidemics, pandemics and other threats to public health.
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health will focus on monitoring performance, developing strategy and policy, and advising government, with commissioning and operational roles moved into Health NZ.
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT DHB MEMBERS?
From July 2022, Health NZ will become the employer for all current DHB staff.
CAN I HAVE A SAY ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Yes!
Many of you have already had a say in the reform. Since 2018 PSA members have conveyed your concerns to the government and provided ideas for improvement.
Your input as the changes are implemented is vital for the success of the new system. You can send your feedback to hdrreform@psa.org.nz.
HOW IS THE PSA SUPPORTING THE CHANGE?
The PSA has established a Health Reform Working group composed of delegates from the DHB and CPS sector to influence the health reform.
A union oversight group will be established to make sure PSA members can participate and contribute at all levels.
The Health Sector Relationship Agreement Steering group, of which PSA is a member, will be actively involved.
Union input will be especially crucial to establish the culture, vision, and values of workers in the health system.
“This is an opportunity to be bold and address the inequities and frustrations we have been experiencing with the current system,” says PSA National Secretary Kerry Davies.
