The Nurses Society of New Zealand has welcomed the just-announced health reforms, describing them as “bold and momentous”.

Nurses Society Director Mr David Wills says that the planned health restructure looks very promising.

From our perspective the most pleasing features include:

•  Replacing the current 20 DHBs with one national body

•  Establishing a Public Health Agency

•  Setting up a dedicated Māori Health Authority

•  Revamping the role of the Ministry of Health.

“The planned reforms do not remove the ongoing need for more resources – increased funding, boosting staffing and expanding services – but they will help,” Wills said.

Most of these changes have been anticipated for a while. Amalgamation of DHBs was expected rather than abolition, but most health professionals will see abolition as even better.

The Nurses Society of New Zealand has welcomed the just-announced health reforms, describing them as “bold and momentous”.

Nurses Society Director Mr David Wills says that the planned health restructure looks very promising.

From our perspective the most pleasing features include:

•  Replacing the current 20 DHBs with one national body

•  Establishing a Public Health Agency

•  Setting up a dedicated Māori Health Authority

•  Revamping the role of the Ministry of Health.

“The planned reforms do not remove the ongoing need for more resources – increased funding, boosting staffing and expanding services – but they will help,” Wills said.

Most of these changes have been anticipated for a while. Amalgamation of DHBs was expected rather than abolition, but most health professionals will see abolition as even better.