80569 (2024). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Associate Minister of Health

80569 (2024). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Associate Minister of Health: What steps has she taken, if any, to mitigate the exacerbated issues facing aged care services in regional and rural New Zealand, as outlined in the Sapere report published on January 16, 2024?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that as part of the second phase of the Review, Health New Zealand is looking at how best to support older New Zealanders living in rural areas, including integrating primary care and virtual (and telehealth) nursing; improving home care and support services, and reviewing Needs Assessment Service Coordination agency processes. Additionally, in 2023, Health NZ increased the funding per bed for isolated rural aged care facilities by $1,825 per annum. This uplift has been permanently built into the price so the amount is increased with every annual price increase.