Articles tagged with Care System
Government Health Targets Improve: Faster Care and Better Outcomes in NZ Q4 2025
3 weeks ago | 172 viewsThe Government’s quarterly health results for October to December 2025 show clear year-on-year improvements across all five health targets, with more New Zealanders receiving faster care despite ongoing pressures on hospitals. Key gains include shorter emergency department stays, quicker specialist assessments and elective treatments, faster cancer treatments, and higher childhood immunisation rates. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasized continued focus on improving the healthcare system and praised the dedication of health workers who delivered better outcomes amid increased demand and challenges.
Tags: Simeon Brown New Zealand Government health targets emergency departments specialist assessment elective treatment cancer treatment childhood immunisation healthcare system health system improvementsErin James Appointed New Aged Care Commissioner to Enhance Quality Care
1 month ago | 268 viewsAssociate Minister of Health Casey Costello announced Ms Erin James as the new Aged Care Commissioner, a role within the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner focused on advocating for quality health services for older people. Ms James, currently Director of the OPCAT team at the Office of the Ombudsman, will serve a five-year term starting 7 April 2026. Her appointment aligns with ongoing efforts to improve the aged care system by ensuring timely, appropriate, and sustainable care.
Tags: Casey Costello Erin James Aged Care Commissioner Health and Disability Commissioner Office of the Ombudsman Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture OPCAT Associate Minister of Health aged care system health systemNew Zealand Proposes Funding Letermovir to Prevent Infection After Stem Cell Transplants
1 month ago | 251 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown support Pharmac’s proposal to fund letermovir from May 2026 to prevent serious CMV infections in stem cell transplant patients and those with severe immunosuppression. This initiative aims to improve patient outcomes by reducing complications, hospital stays, and healthcare system pressure, aligning with the Government’s commitment to expanding stem cell transplant capacity and enhancing cancer treatment access. Pharmac is currently seeking public feedback on the proposal, inviting input from affected patients, families, health professionals, and advocacy groups.
Tags: David Seymour Simeon Brown Pharmac letermovir stem cell transplant New Zealand CMV infection cancer treatment healthcare system Faster Cancer TreatmentGovernment's Comprehensive Aged Care Reform to Enhance Health Outcomes and Sustainability
5 months ago | 587 viewsThe Government, led by Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and Health Minister Simeon Brown, has announced an integrated approach to reform the aged care system, establishing a Ministerial Advisory Group to recommend changes to the outdated funding model. The focus is on improving health outcomes for the aging population, creating a sustainable and cohesive system that allows for smooth transitions between different types of care. The expert Group will provide recommendations on the funding model, cost-sharing, and integration between aged care and health services, with the goal of implementing changes by 2027 to ensure all New Zealanders have access to the care they need as they age.
Tags: Government aged care system Ministerial Advisory Group funding model Casey Costello Simeon Brown New Zealand sustainable services health services bipartisan approachNew Social Investment Fund Targets At-Risk Children for Positive Change
7 months ago | 1005 viewsThe Social Investment Fund, recently launched by Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis, targets children facing challenging family or schooling situations, such as those with incarcerated parents or who have been suspended from school early. Data-driven evidence supports the approach of intervening early to improve outcomes for these vulnerable groups, benefitting both individuals and society as a whole. With a budget of $190 million over four years, the Fund aims to invest in effective solutions, empower community organizations, and measure the impact of interventions transparently.
Tags: Social Investment Fund Nicola Willis children parents jail care system school data evidence outcomes