Source: Network4
Four of New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisations are calling on political parties to back a bipartisan 10-year strategy for primary care, saying that repeated policy changes are making it harder to plan services, invest in innovation and meet growing demand.
The proposal is part of an election manifesto released today by the Network4 (previously known as N4), which represents more than 1.8 million enrolled New Zealanders through Pegasus Health, Pinnacle Group, ProCare and Tū Ora Compass Health.
The group says primary care has become caught in short political cycles despite providing the majority of healthcare New Zealanders receive.
Network4 chair Barry Bragg said New Zealand needed a stable long-term direction for primary care regardless of which parties formed Government.
“General practice is the front door to our health system. It keeps people well, manages long-term conditions and helps keep people out of hospital.
“But long-term investment becomes difficult when priorities continue to change. We believe New Zealand needs a shared commitment to the future of primary care that extends beyond election cycles.”
The manifesto identifies five priorities that the Network4 is asking all political parties to support.
They are: 1. A long-term commitment to primary care, including establishing a bipartisan 10-year strategy for primary care 2. Sustainable funding that reflects the true cost of care 3. Building a strong sustainable primary care workforce 4. Delivering more healthcare closer to home 5. Providing technology in service of people by investing in nationally connected digital health systems that improve care and reduce administrative burden.
Mr Bragg said the proposals were based on the day-to-day experience of organisations supporting general practice across urban, rural, Māori, Pacific and high-needs communities.
“These are practical actions that would strengthen primary care and improve the performance of the wider health system.”
“When primary care is well supported, patients receive care earlier, hospitals face less pressure and communities achieve better health outcomes.”
“Our message is the same to every party contesting the election. Primary care needs a clear long-term direction, sustainable funding and the confidence to invest in the future.”
Mr Bragg said the manifesto was intended to support constructive discussion and support good policy making.
“We are asking every party to consider the same question: what does a sustainable primary care system look like over the next decade, and what commitments are needed to achieve it?”
“The challenges facing primary care are well understood. The opportunity now is to provide certainty for patients, clinicians and communities through stable policy, sustainable investment and a clear long-term direction.”
The manifesto highlights opportunities to improve integration between primary, community and hospital services, strengthen workforce development and make better use of digital technology already developed in New Zealand.
Mr Bragg said the proposed actions would create a more integrated patient centred health system, that ensures people can enrol with general practice, get an appointment when they need it and be able to afford it.
The full manifesto is available at https://www.procare.co.nz/network-4/.