55 (2026). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Health

55 (2026). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Health: What specific changes, if any, is the Minister or any of the departments they are responsible for making to the design of healthcare delivery itself to ensure that equity is achieved through earlier, proactive, community-based care rather than downstream hospital treatment?

Hon Simeon Brown: Health New Zealand’s role is to deliver quality, affordable healthcare for all New Zealanders. It leads the day-to-day planning and delivery of publicly funded hospital, primary, and community health services. Consideration of equity of access is a standard part of designing health services. Examples of changes to healthcare delivery include the commissioning of increased access to primary care, after-hours service, and telehealth.