59644 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

59644 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What role can nurse practitioners play in improving access to primary care for rural New Zealanders, if any?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that nurse practitioners are a highly valued asset in ensuring access and provision of safe, high‐quality care, especially for rural New Zealanders who find it hard to access general practitioners. I am further advised that nurse practitioners have advanced skills and practice beyond the level of registered nurses. They most commonly work as part of an interdisciplinary team improving access to healthcare and have the ability to work autonomously to provide a full range of assessments, diagnostic tests, prescribing, and treatment interventions. I am also advised that the number of nurse practitioners working in primary care is growing. They are an important element for evolving and diversifying primary care teams and are able to support the development and scope of other primary care nurses.