66549 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 25 Oct 2024

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	66549 (2024)
Question asked:	13 Oct 2024
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Dr Shane Reti
Answer received:	21 Oct 2024
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_66549_2024
Document guid:	225d1b17-509b-401e-bd43-dae511721b0c

66549 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, have been taken in the quarter April to June 2024 to implement the recommendation ‘Establish a working group to evaluate the potential for and development of pathways involving optometrists in the provision of intravitreal injections’ as part of Te Whatu Ora Planned Care Taskforce Reset and Restore Plan?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that no work on this was undertaken during the April to June 2024 quarter. However, I am further advised previous analysis of current provision of intravitreal injections showed that they are being provided effectively and safely by nursing staff. In addition, optometrists are valued members of the Eye Health Team, and Health New Zealand continues work to expand their role in the provision of publicly funded healthcare.