64935 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

64935 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter April to June 2024 toward the outcome ‘Increased capability of the workforce around cultural safety and how to provide services that are of value and support Pacific families’ under ‘Focus area two: Tāngata ora Quality health care and improved journey through the health system for those with rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease’ within the Rheumatic Fever Roadmap?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the April to June 2024 quarter, the following progress was made across Focus Area two of the Rheumatic Fever Roadmap: • In partnership with Pū Manawa, planning continued for the National Rheumatic Fever Sector Symposium. • The revision of the New Zealand Guidelines for Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease continued (led by The University of Auckland in partnership with the Pū Manawa network). • A review of dental access for acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease patients 18+ years was completed. • The enhanced nursing programme for youth in Counties Manukau continued. • The Rheumatic Fever Care Coordination System rollout continued, with it introduced across Te Manawa Taki districts. • The Cause Collective continued to raise awareness of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease across Pacific communities through social media, radio, and churches. • Mana Kidz continued to deliver its nurse-led, school-based programme providing comprehensive healthcare, with a rheumatic fever focus in the Counties Manukau region. This programme is being led by the National Hauora Coalition in partnership with local providers. • A procurement process began for a national rheumatic fever awareness raising initiative with Māori whānau and communities.