NEWS

We are intending to make a submission on the current state of the New Zealand health and disability system. We will collate all your responses and present them to the Review. Submissions from organisations are powerful. We intend to advocate for the best treatment, care and support for people affected by head and neck cancer. If you wish to share your thoughts you can do so by accessing our survey here. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GZZY9F8

The Government is currently asking for feedback on the New Zealand health and disability system. The deadline to submit feedback is 31 May 2019.

This first round of consultation is seeking feedback on how the health and disability system is working currently and to identify critical issues to improve the effectiveness and equity of the system.

You can give feedback by completing an online survey in English, Te Reo Māori or Plain English.

Background about the review In May 2018, Health Minister Dr David Clark announced the review of the New Zealand health and disability sector. He said the review would "... look at the way we structure, resource and deliver health services – not just for the next few years but for decades to come."

The Terms of Reference for the review state that the purpose of the review is to "... identify opportunities to improve the performance, structure, and sustainability of the system with a goal of achieving equity of outcomes, and contributing to wellness for all, particularly Māori and Pacific peoples."

The review has a broad focus on achieving "wellness, access, equity, and sustainability" in the health and disability system. The review will consider a number of points, including: "Contribution of and the interaction between health and other social sector agencies in supporting health and wellness."

David Clark said the Terms of Reference for the review are "deliberately wide" and "allow for a more thorough assessment of the disability sector."

The Review will be chaired by Heather Simpson. The other review panel members are Shelly Campbell, Professor Peter Crampton, Dr Lloyd McCann, Dr Margaret Southwick, Dr Winfield Bennett and Sir Brian Roche. The panel is expected to release an interim report in August 2019, following the consultation. A second round of consultation will be invited on the interim report. A final report is expected to be provided to the Government in March 2020. For questions email systemreview@moh.govt.nz.

Thank you to those who have shared their thoughts on improving care for people affected by cancer. If you have not yet had your say you can do so here. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GZZY9F8