The replacement of the 20 DHBs by Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) is a big step forward.
Nurses Society director David Wills says while it will not solve any of the immediate problems caused by historic under-resourcing, inadequate infrastructure or under staffing, it is a significant advance.
"If nothing else it means 20 bureaucracies are essentially replaced by one body. Having 20 separate DHBs, including multiple DHB in the same cities or regions was always problematic and wasteful."
The one body will mean better planning and coordination, and importantly, eventually improved access to and delivery of services.
The creation of Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority) is a transformational change that may address health inequalities and better the needs of Māori.
The replacement of the 20 DHBs by Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) is a big step forward.
Nurses Society director David Wills says while it will not solve any of the immediate problems caused by historic under-resourcing, inadequate infrastructure or under staffing, it is a significant advance.
"If nothing else it means 20 bureaucracies are essentially replaced by one body. Having 20 separate DHBs, including multiple DHB in the same cities or regions was always problematic and wasteful."
The one body will mean better planning and coordination, and importantly, eventually improved access to and delivery of services.
The creation of Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority) is a transformational change that may address health inequalities and better the needs of Māori.