46094 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

46094 (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 ‘Specifically explore the NZOA proposal and consider implementation’ 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 met weekly and monthly with New Zealand Orthopaedic Association (NZOA). This has had a number of positive impacts; for example, the collaborative design of the national MSK pathway between NZOA, PNZ, and Health NZ. I am further advised that other NZOA proposals such as increasing training opportunities within private surgical hospitals have been enacted. In recent months, Health NZ have also established collaborative national working groups on issues such as access to spine surgery.