43646 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

43646 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the last quarter (January to March 2024) toward the outcome ‘Increased capability of the workforce around cultural safety and how to provide services that are of value and support Pacific families’ under ‘Focus area two: Tāngata ora Quality health care and improved journey through the health system for those with rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease’ within the Rheumatic Fever Roadmap?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the January to March 2024 quarter, progress was made across focus area two of the Rheumatic Fever Roadmap, including: • Revision of the New Zealand Guidelines for Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease continued, led by The University of Auckland in partnership with the Pū Manawa network. These are due to be published later this year – a slight delay from the anticipated due date of mid-2024. • Planning for the National Rheumatic Fever Sector Symposium to be held on 23-24 July 2024 in Manukau, Auckland. • Planning for a pilot to improve dental access continued. It aims to review the current dental service model and improve dental health outcomes for rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease patients. • The enhanced nursing programme for youth in Counties Manukau continued. This programme is being delivered in Māngere/Ōtara and provides a comprehensive model of care for young people with rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. • The Rheumatic Fever Care Coordination System (RFCCS) was deployed to two more districts (Lakes and Tairāwhiti).