44314 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

44314 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, have been taken in the quarter (January to March 2024) to implement the recommendation ‘Establish key metrics to support weekly monitoring and reporting of operating room utilisation at a district and regional level’ as part of Te Whatu Ora Planned Care Taskforce Reset and Restore Plan?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised during the January to March 2024 quarter, Health New Zealand released a national Theatre Metrics Dashboard. It includes seven key metrics defined by a national theatres expert advisory group, and a stock take of all available operating theatres. The metrics include start and finish times, cancellations, usage and utilisation, turnaround times, and other useful measures. Reporting is now included in Health New Zealand's national and regional performance frameworks and provides insights that can be used by regions and districts for improvement planning. I am further advised that data on the number of resourced operating rooms is held at a district level. Health NZ is looking at ways to increase dedicated elective capacity, particularly during periods of high demand. Arranging acute and planned theatre lists to match peaks in demand and reduce the risk of planned care deferrals/ cancellations is an important focus for districts and regions.