Digital solutions should help drive new public health system: NZHIT
Tamaki Makaurau - The revamp of the public health service is an opportunity for Aotearoa industry to create and implement digital tools that will help the health system and reduce inequity for all Kiwis, NZ Health IT (NZHIT) chair Kate Reid says.
The major health system refit is the beginning of a new era and a golden opportunity to transform delivery of health services in Aotearoa by adopting digital technology, she says.
“Digital tech will enable the system, specialists, surgeons, consultants, doctors and nurses to get closer to patients.
“Government understands we need an immediate uptake of virtual healthcare services to a new national health system.
“Unprecedented measures must be taken as New Zealand is sailing into substantial health changes in a fast-changing tech world.
“We want to define the direction for health tech for at least the next five years so there’s a unified approach to contributing towards achieving full tech enablement.
“NZHIT wants to assess the economic benefits of the digital health sector and global opportunities for export growth.
“The health and wellbeing of New Zealanders is essential, and we understand their needs first and foremost, how tech can support people’s health.
“The covid pandemic has shown us just how important digital tech is to our health, wellbeing and economy. Digital health now influences positive and negative health outcomes.
“NZHIT is working with the government to build a world class health, disability and social system for the benefit of everyone living in Aotearoa.”
Reid says it is encouraging to see government placing urgency around improving access to digital healthcare services for consumers and health staff.
“Digital health technology is reshaping all of our lives. In 10 years’ time, people won’t believe you had to ring to make an appointment then sit in a waiting room for 45 minutes with all the associated risks this entails.
“Virtual healthcare can include triaging and consults over the phone, by email or video and all three must be deployed by GPs to be effective.
“Our health system reinforces Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and obligations, with rangatiratanga shaping care design for Māori, so Māori models of care flourish.
“Everyone can access a wider range of support to stay well in the community, with more services designed around people’s needs and which better support self-care.”
For further information contact Make Lemonade NZ news director Kip Brook on 0275 030188
Lisa was born in Auckland at the start of the 1970s, living in a small campsite community on the North Shore called Browns Bay. She spent a significant part of her life with her grandparents, often hanging out at the beaches. Lisa has many happy memories from those days at Browns Bay beach, where fish were plentiful on the point and the ocean was rich in seaweed. She played in the water for hours, going home totally “sun-kissed.” “An adorable time to grow up,” Lisa tells me.
Lisa enjoyed many sports; she was a keen tennis player and netballer, playing in the top teams for her age right up until the family moved to Wellington. Lisa was fifteen years old, which unfortunately marked the end of her sporting career. Local teams were well established in Wellington, and her attention was drawn elsewhere.