Congratulations to Chief Executive Dale Bramley and the incoming Board members. Your leadership comes at a time when the health sector is ready to move from disruption and uncertainty to clarity and progress. We now have a real opportunity to set a new direction and do things differently, leaving behind outdated models to build a modern health system that reflects the needs and realities of Kiwis today.
A clear call to action
Aotearoa’s health sector has been through an extended period of restructures, shifting leadership and constrained funding, leaving the workforce tired and disengaged and the public confused and concerned. We’ve become used to silent leadership, without clear direction or cohesive plans. This new Board represents a great opportunity to change this by increasing the voice that provides transparency and visibility, and setting a clear plan to build a modern, equitable and future-fit health system that is digital by default and delivers for all New Zealanders.
High demand, low capacity
We’re facing a perfect storm, with rising demand, an ageing population and a workforce under pressure from both demographic and systemic change. At the same time, we’re still operating with a model that places hospitals at the centre, even though most care happens in the community. Unfortunately, a system built around beds and buildings will not meet the needs of the future. What we need is a system built around people – one that’s enabled by smart infrastructure and data and supported by modern tools. How do we ensure Health New Zealand is focused on the health of New Zealand and not just that of Health New Zealand?
Modernise, digitalise and partner differently
Aotearoa has a strong history of digital innovation, and digital must be at the core of a modern health system. We’re not starting from scratch – we have proven platforms, existing technologies and successful global models we can draw from. Better outcomes will stem from partnering with digital experts who already understand how to deliver solutions at scale.
However, while we need national consistency, we don’t need one-size-fits-all. We can build shared national systems that support local variations where it makes sense, whether based on population needs, geography or service configuration.
The opportunity ahead
We’ve got real momentum here – structural change has cleared the decks and we don’t need to deconstruct or rebuild what was already broken. This is our moment to rethink the system, without the legacy constraints. The demographic and economic pressures Aotearoa faces are the same as those experienced by the rest of the world, but we’re a small and nimble nation that, with the right leadership, can move quickly and smartly.
A plan of action
There are three clear steps to achieving the health system Aotearoa needs. First we need to start with the principles – what does our health system stand for? What do we value? This should be a health system grounded in equity, accessibility and people-first thinking, where workers feel valued and patients are able to achieve the best health outcome, regardless of demographic or location.
Secondly, we need to remain pragmatic and be transparent about our inability to offer everything, everywhere. But where we can’t offer a service, we can use technology to deliver more care closer to home, reduce unnecessary travel and support specialist services in smarter ways. That means investing in data and digital tools that work, supporting service models that are fit for purpose and recognising that doing things differently will require new ways of thinking.
Thirdly, we need to shift the centre of care from hospitals to community-based care – closer to home, better supported and digitally-enabled. The bulk of care happens in the community, and rightly so. Acknowledging and supporting this is the only sustainable path forward.
Now’s the time
To the new Board – congratulations again. Your appointment brings hope. This is the moment to lead from the front, be seen and heard and chart a clear path forward. The challenges are significant, but the opportunities are greater.
Let’s build a better health system that works – digitally, equitably and effectively.