Implementing the New Zealand Health Strategy 2003

Implementing the New Zealand Health Strategy 2003
The Minister of Health’s third report on progress on the New Zealand Health Strategy

Date of Publication: December 2003
ISBN 0-478-25875-5 (Book)
ISBN 0-478-25876-3 (Web)
HP 3714

Citation: Minister of Health. 2003. Implementing the New Zealand Health Strategy 2003: The Minister of Health’s third report on progress on the New Zealand Health Strategy. Wellington: Ministry of Health.

Implementing the New Zealand Health Strategy 2003details activities and initiatives undertaken throughout the sector to implement the New Zealand Health Strategy. A special feature of the report is the profiles of local initiatives that are making a difference in New Zealand communities, showing innovation in delivering health services and ultimately in improving health outcomes.

Looking back on the three years since the launch of the New Zealand Health Strategy, significant achievements have been made. District Health Boards (DHBs) are growing in their role as funders and providers of health services, and have taken significant steps towards addressing the health needs of their populations. Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) are being rapidly established across the country. More than 2 million New Zealanders are now enrolled with PHOs and as a consequence more than one in four New Zealanders have access to low-cost primary health care.

The New Zealand health sector continues to foster innovation and quality improvement. This is exemplified by the inaugural Health Innovation Awards, which were a highlight of 2003, and the release of Improving Quality (IQ): A systems approach for the New Zealand Health and Disability Sector. Information management in the health sector continues to develop, with the implementation of the Child Health Information Strategy a notable achievement in 2003. The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act, passed in 2003, will support quality and innovation in the health workforce.

As well as activities at a local level to implement the New Zealand Health Strategy, there have been developments at a strategic level. These include the release of the New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy and Healthy Eating, Healthy Action: Oranga Kai, Oranga Pumau: A Strategic Framework, both of which will guide the sector in meeting key New Zealand Health Strategy objectives. Progress is also well under way towards implementing He Korowai Oranga: The Mâori Health Strategy across the sector.

The New Zealand Health Strategy provides a strong platform for action to improve New Zealanders’ health and, as this report shows, the health sector is committed to meeting the strategy’s goals and objectives. Future reports will illustrate how the sector builds on this foundation to further improve health, reduce inequalities, and deliver high-quality health care.

See also Minister of Health Annette King's speech: Third progress report on implementing the New Zealand Health Strategy

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