Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says there are just 7 days left to help shape the new Health of Older People (HOP) Strategy.
“The first HOP Strategy was released 14 years ago and needs a refresh. Workshops around the country have finished but there is still the opportunity to submit online,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.
“I see older people ageing well and being healthy, connected, and respected.”
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the bowel screening national roll-out programme is on track with Cabinet approving the business case.
“Around 3,000 Kiwis are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, and it’s the second most common cause of cancer death,” says Dr Coleman.
“We know that screening saves lives by detecting cancers at an early stage. Once fully implemented the national bowel screening programme is likely to screen over 700,000 people aged between 60 and 74 every two years.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a new framework for planning and designing support for people with mental health and addiction issues will help to further improve care.
“The new Commissioning Framework is about better planning and design of mental health and addiction services,” says Dr Coleman.
“It’s a methodology that will shift the focus from inputs and outputs to understanding the real difference that services make to people. This is about putting people at the centre of planning.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says over 6000 patients are now being supported to manage their blood thinning medication through an increasingly popular pharmacy-led scheme.
“More than 150 community pharmacies across the country are now contracted to provide warfarin management to patients,” says Dr Coleman.
“The feedback from patients and pharmacists is that this is a great initiative which provides easy and quick access, and delivers care closer to home.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has today opened a new $3.6 million angiography suite at Taranaki Base Hospital in New Plymouth.
“Heart disease is the biggest killer of men and women over 40, but early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference,” says Dr Coleman.
“Of the 118,000 people in Taranaki, 41 per cent are at risk of cardiovascular disease, and that figure is growing due to an ageing population.
Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has welcomed the ‘Improving Outcomes in Aged Care’ report which was released today.
The report finds changes to audit processes for rest homes have contributed to better quality care for residents.
“As the number of older New Zealanders grows, it is vital that aged residential care facilities are providing safe and healthy environments for residents,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says around one in ten New Zealanders received a First Specialist Assessment (FSA) in 2015/16.
“Increasing access to specialist care remains a priority for this Government. The answer to increased demand is to do more,” says Dr Coleman.
“The latest data shows 551,013 patients received a medical or surgical FSA in 2015/16, a rise of almost 10,000 on the previous financial year.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a new report confirms the vast majority of patients seen at an Emergency Department are in and out within six hours.
“A high functioning ED is a sign of a healthy hospital with a dedicated workforce, the support of a number of high-functioning departments including diagnostic services, and good general practice services,” says Dr Coleman.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the Government supports the recommendations of the Health Select Committee’s report into surgical mesh.
“I have every sympathy for people who have experienced issues with surgical mesh products. I’d like to thank the petitioners for highlighting their concerns, as well the submitters and the Committee for their deliberations,” says Dr Coleman.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a national campaign highlighting the signs of a stroke and the need to act quickly is already making a difference.
“Each year in New Zealand about 9,000 people have a stroke. Early identification and treatment is crucial to reduce the likelihood of brain damage and lasting harm,” says Dr Coleman.
“The FAST campaign focuses on the key signs of a stroke and emphasises the swift action needed if you’re concerned.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the latest health targets results show the gains made in the previous quarter have again been largely maintained.
“The health targets are important as they drive performance across the health system, ensuring that New Zealanders get better access to key health services,” says Dr Coleman.
“The latest quarterly results for April to June 2016 show that the progress made in the previous quarter has largely been sustained.
Minister of Education Hekia Parata and Associate Minister of Health Peseta Sam Lotu-liga today welcomed the release of the 2016 edition of the New Zealand Autism Spectrum Guideline.
The Guideline, launched at the Autism New Zealand Conference held in Wellington, is based on the most up-to-date information available and aims to improve the health, education and social outcomes for people with autism.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has welcomed the official opening of the new $215 million Burwood Hospital in Christchurch.
“Burwood Hospital is the first cab off the rank in the close to $1 billion of hospital redevelopments underway in Christchurch,” says Dr Coleman.
The $215 million facility was officially opened by Prime Minister John Key today.
Burwood Hospital focuses on services for older people, which were previously located at The Princess Margaret Hospital.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has today confirmed there will be a Government initiated independent Inquiry into the Havelock North water contamination issue.
“The situation in Havelock North is concerning. It is important that the public has confidence in their water supply,” says Dr Coleman.
“To ensure we have a clear understanding of what has happened in Havelock North as well as any learnings from the situation, the Government will launch an independent Inquiry.
Associate Health Minister Hon Peter Dunne has launched an action plan today aimed at better supporting those affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and reducing the numbers of babies born with this preventable condition.
“FASD is considered internationally to be a leading preventable cause of intellectual and developmental problems, with some researchers estimating that it occurs in one in 100 children.
Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says there is now easier access to the latest and best approaches for building safe, secure, and stimulating care homes for people with dementia.
“Older people with dementia need close and continued contact with the real world. Things that enrich their lives such as plants and animals. At the same time they need to be monitored and protected all the time,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says $17.2 million over four years in Budget 2016 will help to support the 500 Syrian refugees arriving in New Zealand over the next two years.
“The Government wants to support the Syrian refuges settling in New Zealand to successfully transition and adapt to the Kiwi lifestyle,” says Dr Coleman.
"Many of these refugees have suffered a great deal of trauma and they will require ongoing specialised support.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman welcomes today’s opening of Waitemata DHB’s new $9.8 million Emergency Department (ED) at Waitakere Hospital. Minister Paula Bennett officially opened the facility.
“The new fit-for-purpose ED at Waitakere Hospital is almost double in size, creating the extra capacity needed to meet the future needs of the local community,” says Dr Coleman.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says up to 60 new palliative care positions are being established as part of the Government’s $76.1 million boost for hospices.
“Hospices make a huge difference ensuring terminally ill people are as free from pain and suffering as possible. They also provide valuable care and support for families and friends,” says Dr Coleman.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says suitably qualified and approved registered nurses will be able to prescribe from a list of commonly used medicines from next month.
“Registered nurses play an important part in helping to deliver faster, more convenient healthcare,” says Dr Coleman.
“We’re keen to support registered nurses to work at the top of their scope where it’s safe and appropriate for them to do so.
