44367 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

44367 (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 ‘Where scale allows, develop capacity for the provision of planned care that is protected from the impact of acute demand’ 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, Health New Zealand continued work to scale and develop capacity by commissioning dedicated planned care capacity, such as the new Totara Haumaru site, which will provide a dedicated space for planned care that will benefit the Northern region and beyond. Health NZ's Burwood Hospital site in Christchurch is another example of where it is working to ring-fence planned care capacity. I am further advised that dedicated acute theatre capacity, particularly at periods of high demand, is also an important part of this picture. Planning at a district and regional level to arrange 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.