43850 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

43850 (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 ‘Establish expert working groups to achieve national consistency in relation to access policies based on BMI, HbA1c and smoking status’ as part of Te Whatu Ora Planned Care Taskforce Reset and Restore Plan?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the January to March 2024 quarter, the National Pacific Senate, a group of experienced leaders with clinical expertise, continued to oversee priority areas identified in the Pacific Health Strategy Ola Manuia, including diabetes, oral health, ophthalmology and mental health. I am further advised that Health New Zealand is currently establishing national clinical networks that will standardise clinical and operational care standards across all specialty areas.