43836 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

43836 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, have been taken in the last quarter (January to March 2024) to implement the recommendation ‘Consider setting minimum FSA delivery volumes and follow up to FSA ratios’ as part of Te Whatu Ora Planned Care Taskforce Reset and Restore Plan?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that Health New Zealand, as part of its national budget setting, developed production plans outlining the minimum FSA delivery for districts over the coming year. This is modelled to include things like demographic growth and the required uplift in delivery required to meet health targets. I am further advised that in working to increase delivery of FSAs, Health NZ needs to be mindful of the number of follow-ups generated by each FSA to ensure it has the right capacity to offer FSAs in a timely way. That includes ensuring follow-ups are offered for the right reasons, and in the right way, to make the most of FSA capacity. I am also advised that a key part of this work is developing tools such as the national Rapid operational data set. As part of this, a national dashboard was developed in the January to March 2024 quarter, and is now live. It provides up to date national data on the ratios of follow-up appointments to FSAs at a service and district level.