#HealthMinisterAyeshaVerrall

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Government's Targeted Approach to Waitlists is Working

  Dr. Ayesha Verrall's Priority for Waitlist Reduction

In a recent data release, Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall highlighted the Government's successful efforts in reducing waitlist times for essential medical treatment, making a tangible difference to the lives of New Zealanders in need. Dr Verrall expressed her unwavering commitment to prioritizing the reduction of waitlists since taking office as Minister of Health.  

Positive Results Emerge in Orthopaedic Care

Dr Verrall pointed out that the concerted efforts of various agencies are now bearing fruit, particularly in the field of orthopaedics. The total number of planned care treatments, including minor operations, has seen a significant increase nationwide, showcasing the effectiveness of the targeted approach.   Te Tai Tokerau - Northland Sets an Encouraging Example Despite facing winter pressures, several regions across New Zealand are steadily progressing towards meeting their waitlist targets. Notably, Te Tai Tokerau - Northland stands as a shining example of progress, with an impressive 76 per cent reduction in the number of people waiting more than a year for surgical treatment between August 2022 and July 2023.  

A Path to Swift Action - Treatment Plans for Long Waitlist Patients

Addressing the plight of patients who have endured long wait times, Dr Verrall shared encouraging news. Individuals who had been waiting for over three years for treatment have either received their treatment date and plan or have already undergone treatment. The Health Minister's goal is to ensure that patients waiting for over two years will be treated or scheduled for treatment by the end of September.  

A Focus on Orthopaedic Patients

Dr Verrall also shed light on the dedicated efforts being made for orthopaedic patients. A collaborative initiative led by Te Whatu Ora, in partnership with the New Zealand Orthopaedic Association and Physiotherapy New Zealand, aims to treat or schedule treatment for all patients waiting longer than 365 days for orthopaedic surgery by June 30, 2024.   Improvements in Theatre Utilization - A Game Changer One of the key factors contributing to reduced waitlist times is the concerted effort to improve theatre utilization across the country. The Anaesthetic Technician Tactical group has played a significant role in addressing workforce shortages, leading to fewer theatre cancellations. Their initiatives to enhance the recruitment and retention of anaesthetic technicians have been instrumental in improving patient care.  

Health Reforms and Frontline Support

Dr Verrall emphasized the positive impact of health reforms, which have increased support for frontline healthcare while reducing administrative redundancies. As a result of a more unified health system, patients can now easily access planned care treatment in different areas of the country. For instance, South Canterbury has seen 302 patients from Canterbury and Southland receive treatment at Timaru Hospital in the past year, showcasing the improved patient mobility facilitated by these reforms.  

Gratitude to Healthcare Teams

Dr Verrall expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated healthcare teams whose unwavering commitment and exceptional care have made these initiatives possible. Their efforts have brought about transformative changes, ensuring New Zealanders receive the medical attention they deserve. In summary, Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall's targeted approach to reducing waitlists has yielded promising results, particularly in the field of orthopaedics. Patients are benefiting from improved access to treatment, with wait times significantly reduced across the country. The collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals and various agencies have been pivotal in bringing about these positive changes, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand's healthcare system.   Sources: THX News & The New Zealand Government. Read the full article