44377 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health

44377 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, has been done to stabilise after-hour network care?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised Health New Zealand is working with the urgent care sector to maintain timely access to urgent and after-hours primary care. The aim is to maintain urgent care and after-hours opening hours; ensure wait times remain within acceptable limits, and to minimise co-payment increases for priority populations. Health NZ has an urgent care stabilisation fund which is being used for this purpose. I am further advised Health NZ is undertaking a review of urgent care and after-hours to inform future decisions on service provision and sustainability. This work is looking at both urban urgent care services and rural unplanned care service models. I also refer the member to Written Parliamentary Question 44376 (2024).