43856 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

43856 (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 ‘Confirm an explicit prioritisation framework if delay/cessation of any services are required’ as part of Te Whatu Ora Planned Care Taskforce Reset and Restore Plan?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that a number of factors are considered by a service, district, and region prior to pausing a service. This includes options for supporting patients outside of their district; bringing in clinicians from other centres or using options such as telehealth or virtual care that can be provided remotely. In addition, districts and regions escalate emerging clinical services issues via regional monthly performance reviews and through the national performance framework. I am further advised that Health NZ has established a national Planned Care Oversight Group to provide clinical and operational oversight of emerging issues that may affect service provision.