Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says on World Kidney Day that the number of living kidney donors continues to increase, having a massive impact on the lives of patients and their families.

Organ Donation New Zealand figures show that there were 82 live kidney donors in 2016, up from 74 the year before. Live donors accounted for about half of the 172 kidney transplant recipients last year.

“Organ transplantation is a life-saving treatment and for people with organ failure it’s often the only option available,” says Dr Coleman.

A new plan to improve outcomes for disabled Pasifika people is being welcomed by Associate Health Minister Nicky Wagner.

Faiva Ora, which means Work for Life, is a five-year improvement plan developed by the Ministry of Health.

“Pasifika people are not accessing disability support services as much as expected. Faiva Ora considers why that is and what can be done about it,” Ms Wagner says.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has praised the ongoing work of the National Depression Initiative (NDI) with latest figures indicating increased interaction with young people.

“The drivers of mental health and addiction are complex. In line with international trends, we’ve seen an increase in demand for mental health and addiction services,” says Dr Coleman.

“The NDI has had an increasingly important role in utilising technology to ensure people have access to the help and support they need, at a place and time convenient to them.

Associate Health Minister Nicky Wagner says it is encouraging to see such a high level of interest in the proposed Healthy Ageing Strategy.

“It’s incredibly heartening to know so many people have taken the time to engage in the Healthy Ageing Strategy consultation process — it gives us a great chance of delivering what New Zealanders want,” Ms Wagner says.

About 2000 people took part in strategy discussions and workshops and a summary of more than 200 submissions was recently released on the Ministry of Health website.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says more adults and their families are benefiting from medication-free healthy lifestyle prescriptions.

“The Government is committed to supporting New Zealanders to live healthier more active lives away from hospitals,” says Dr Coleman.

“One of the ways we are doing this is through Green Prescriptions, which contain advice on nutrition and physical activity. Local initiatives range from cooking classes to motivational texts, and a range of options to be active.

Associate Health Minister Nicky Wagner is welcoming the findings of an independent review into a world-leading assessment tool to enhance the quality of care in residential aged care facilities.

The interRAI computer-based clinical assessment tool enables registered nurses to create tailor-made care plans for residents. It became mandatory in New Zealand aged care facilities in July 2015.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has today launched the $6 million boost to the Community Resilience Partnership Fund to support community-led wellbeing projects in Canterbury following the earthquakes.

“Supporting the rebuild in Canterbury is a key Government priority. We’re committed to ensuring Cantabrians receive the health services they need,” says Dr Coleman.

MidCentral DHB physiotherapist Emma Lett is the second recipient of a new award for emerging health care leaders. Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne presented the award at MidCentral DHB this morning.

The Open for leadership awards are coordinated by the Health Quality & Safety Commission. They recognise and celebrate health professionals who demonstrate excellent practice, quality improvement and leadership skills. They are part of the Commission’s work to build capability and leadership in the health sector.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has today acknowledged people with diabetes who are successfully managing the condition to live full and active lives.

“Over 250,000 people in New Zealand had been diagnosed with diabetes, with the number continuing to increase each year. Around 10 per cent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes,” says Dr Coleman.

“The Government understands the toll the disease takes on people’s lives. The management of this long-term condition is a major health challenge for the country.”

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne has written to medical and pharmaceutical organisations clarifying the range of appropriately manufactured cannabis-based products that could be prescribed in New Zealand.

Opening

It’s great to be here with you all today. I’m pleased to see a diverse group of leaders from across the sector, as well as the social sector.

We have DHB Chairs, board members, CEs, clinicians and management. I also want to acknowledge our non-DHB Crown Entity leaders. Our NGO and PHO sector are also well represented.

It’s great to see other government agencies have taken this opportunity to participate in this Symposium. Improving the health and well-being of New Zealanders requires a combined effort.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the latest health target results show DHBs have made good progress on the new raising healthy kids target, up 23 per cent on the previous quarter.

“The six national health targets help to improve performance across the health system, ensuring that Kiwis get better access to health services,” says Dr Coleman.

“The latest health target results for October to December 2016 show DHBs continue to perform well, but there’s always more to do.

A government-funded trial of an Air Desk that will centralise the handling of the country’s emergency air ambulance callouts is to commence today.

ACC Minister, Hon Michael Woodhouse and Associate Minister of Health, Hon Peter Dunne announced today that the Ministry of Health and ACC are each providing half of the $591,000 per annum funding for the two-year pilot. The trial funds an air desk with 15 hours a day, 7 days a week coverage to prove that the concept will meet its objectives.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says Canterbury clinicians have achieved one million electronic referrals – ensuring patients receive more timely care.

The South Island’s Electronic Request Management System enables general practice teams to submit requests for specialist advice direct to a secure database of over 700 specialists.

“It’s a great achievement that Canterbury clinicians have reached the one million mark for eReferrals.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says patient portal usage continues to grow with over 297,000 New Zealanders now registered to use a portal.

“Patient portals are convenient, secure and real time savers for both patients and general practice staff,” says Dr Coleman.

“Portals enable patients to access their personal health information whenever they need it. Patients can book appointments, request repeat prescriptions, and message staff securely from their laptop or smartphone.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says over 104,000 students will benefit from the Fruit in Schools programme as kids settle back into school.

“We're continuing to get overwhelmingly positive feedback from schools about the success of our Fruit in Schools programme," says Dr Coleman.

“This includes schools who've been with the programme since it started and also those who came in last year - they tell us that the healthy eating options are helping their kids in both their work, and also at play.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says there’s been good uptake of the $3.76 million support package for Kaikōura and Marlborough families.

“The Government is committed to ensuring the people of Kaikōura and Marlborough can access the health services that they need following the 14 November earthquake,” says Dr Coleman.

“In Kaikōura and Hurunui just over 3,500 residents have accessed free GPs visits. Canterbury DHB’s specialist mental health team have also made just over 300 appointments, including visits with children and families.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says this year’s rheumatic fever awareness campaign starts tomorrow with a focus on reducing cases in Auckland.

“Rheumatic fever is serious but preventable. Children and young people from Pacific and Māori communities are the most vulnerable,” says Dr Coleman.

“While we’re making good progress to reduce rheumatic fever rates, there’s still more work to be done to meet the ambitious BPS target.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says latest data shows around 148,000 more Kiwis have received a First Specialist Assessment (FSA) since 2008.

“Increasing access to specialist care is a key priority. The answer to increased demand is to do more, whether it’s assessments or operations, and that’s what the Government is focused on delivering,” says Dr Coleman.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith today announced the recipients of more than $5.7 million of funding to improve the management of long-term health conditions.

The contestable funding was awarded to three successful projects, all relating to the prevention and management of diabetes.

“Diabetes affects around six per cent of New Zealanders and their families,” says Dr Coleman.

Following his decision on 1 December last year to remove the requirement for Ministry of Health approval to prescribe Sativex for Multiple Sclerosis, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne has today delegated decision-making for the prescribing of all cannabis-based products to the Ministry of Health.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says World Cancer Day is an opportunity to focus on what more can be done to further improve cancer services.

“Tomorrow is World Cancer Day and it’s timely to think about family and friends who have been touched by cancer,” says Dr Coleman.

“While cancer is New Zealand’s leading cause of death, outcomes for people with cancer continue to improve. In 2011, 63 per cent of cancer patients survived five years after diagnosis, up from 57 per cent in 1999.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says more stroke patients are receiving best-practice care with efforts to improve the delivery of stroke services across DHBs paying off.

“Around 9,000 people have a stroke each year in New Zealand. Early identification and treatment is crucial to reduce the likelihood of brain damage and lasting harm,” says Dr Coleman.

Dr Coleman visited Auckland DHB today and heard from clinical experts and a patient about a ground-breaking stroke treatment where blood clots are surgically removed.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has today appointed temporary Chairs to the boards of Canterbury and South Canterbury DHB.

The temporary appointments come after the Chair of both boards, Murray Cleverley, stood down while the State Services Commission conducts an inquiry into allegations former employees of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Agency used their Public Service positions to advance their private business interests.