Kia ora koutou katoa While the heath reforms announced this week may have surprised many, they also confirmed that as a forward-thinking PHO we are on the right path on our journey to addressing and making gains in many of the key areas needed to improve health for all. Our iwi roots and depth of relationships, our network partnerships, our equity focussed strategies and codesign approaches are all important factors that will serve us well as we navigate the changes ahead. I know that we’re all determinedly committed to making sure we serve the needs of our population in a targeted and purposeful way; we are doing the mahi and we should all feel proud of that. What do the reform announcements mean for PHOs? While we don’t have all the answers yet, Primary Health Organisations in their current form may evolve and change, but primary healthcare services aren’t going anywhere. In fact, there is going to be an even greater emphasis on ensuring connected and sustainable primary healthcare services endure. WBOP PHO values its strong partnership between Iwi and General Practice and always has been front and centre with its proud history as a co-founded entity. Our emphasis on fruitful relationships extends through everything we do, to allied health providers and community organisations. This puts us in an excellent space to provide integrated future services and be a connector that enables transformational change. As always, but more than ever, we are here for you – to support all our General Practices and their teams through this time of change and transition. We will be in constant communication as the details of these reforms unfold and we’re working on devising practical and meaningful ways we can reach out and assist you. We will be asking for your input with the development of these plans and forums. Addressing inequities Health Minister Andrew Little made it clear that a reformed health system must address health inequities, particularly for Maori; better support the health workforce, and offer improved access and outcomes for all to create a single, fairer, and smarter system. A newly established Māori Health Authority with full decision-making powers, budget and commissioning abilities is a firm step towards achieving tino rangatiratanga and one that WBOP PHO fully supports. As an entire PHO we came together last year to think about our ‘why’. It was to enable people to protect their own health and wellbeing, eliminate inequity, and improve health outcomes. Our vision, values and core beliefs therefore sit squarely with the direction of the health reforms. WBOP PHO has already been working towards a more networked primary healthcare environment and ensuring Māori communities have access to a wider range of kaupapa Māori services. Our ongoing work to achieve equity in health outcomes for Māori, in partnership with General Practice teams, has already attracted a lot of positive interest and enquiry from the health sector and will continue to do so. An opportunity The Minister also made it clear that the reforms are not about cutting health services or reducing the health workforce. While the reforms will be looking for efficiencies, the important role of frontline health workers in the community will only be enhanced. There is still a lack of information about capitation and future funding around General Practice and what contracting for General Practice services might look like. It is hoped next month’s Budget will shed more light on that but GPNZ and RNZCGP will be working to ensure the GP voice is heard.
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