Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Pacific Peoples Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga say a new report shows more Pacific children are getting the B4 School Checks and referrals they need.
“The free B4 School Check is vital to ensure that children get the best start at school by identifying and addressing any health or developmental problems at an early stage,” says Dr Coleman.
Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman and Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner wish New Zealand’s Paralympians the best of luck as the Paralympics get underway this week.
“Our 31 Kiwi Paralympians will carry the support of all New Zealanders over the next 12 days as they strive for gold in Rio,” says Dr Coleman.
“Our athletes will compete in events across six sports - para-sports, para-athletics, para-cycling, para-sailing, para-canoeing, para-shooting and para-swimming.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says adults and their families are benefiting from pill-free prescriptions with a new survey showing they are fitter and happier as a result.
“The Government is committed to supporting New Zealanders to live healthier more active lives away from hospitals,” says Dr Coleman.
“One of the ways we are doing this is through Green Prescriptions, which contain advice on nutrition and physical activity. Local initiatives range from cooking classes to motivational texts, and a range of opportunities to be active.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the bowel screening national roll-out programme is on track with Cabinet approving the business case.
“Around 3,000 Kiwis are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, and it’s the second most common cause of cancer death,” says Dr Coleman.
“We know that screening saves lives by detecting cancers at an early stage. Once fully implemented the national bowel screening programme is likely to screen over 700,000 people aged between 60 and 74 every two years.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a new framework for planning and designing support for people with mental health and addiction issues will help to further improve care.
“The new Commissioning Framework is about better planning and design of mental health and addiction services,” says Dr Coleman.
“It’s a methodology that will shift the focus from inputs and outputs to understanding the real difference that services make to people. This is about putting people at the centre of planning.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says over 6000 patients are now being supported to manage their blood thinning medication through an increasingly popular pharmacy-led scheme.
“More than 150 community pharmacies across the country are now contracted to provide warfarin management to patients,” says Dr Coleman.
“The feedback from patients and pharmacists is that this is a great initiative which provides easy and quick access, and delivers care closer to home.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has today opened a new $3.6 million angiography suite at Taranaki Base Hospital in New Plymouth.
“Heart disease is the biggest killer of men and women over 40, but early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference,” says Dr Coleman.
“Of the 118,000 people in Taranaki, 41 per cent are at risk of cardiovascular disease, and that figure is growing due to an ageing population.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says around one in ten New Zealanders received a First Specialist Assessment (FSA) in 2015/16.
“Increasing access to specialist care remains a priority for this Government. The answer to increased demand is to do more,” says Dr Coleman.
“The latest data shows 551,013 patients received a medical or surgical FSA in 2015/16, a rise of almost 10,000 on the previous financial year.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a new report confirms the vast majority of patients seen at an Emergency Department are in and out within six hours.
“A high functioning ED is a sign of a healthy hospital with a dedicated workforce, the support of a number of high-functioning departments including diagnostic services, and good general practice services,” says Dr Coleman.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the Government supports the recommendations of the Health Select Committee’s report into surgical mesh.
“I have every sympathy for people who have experienced issues with surgical mesh products. I’d like to thank the petitioners for highlighting their concerns, as well the submitters and the Committee for their deliberations,” says Dr Coleman.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a national campaign highlighting the signs of a stroke and the need to act quickly is already making a difference.
“Each year in New Zealand about 9,000 people have a stroke. Early identification and treatment is crucial to reduce the likelihood of brain damage and lasting harm,” says Dr Coleman.
“The FAST campaign focuses on the key signs of a stroke and emphasises the swift action needed if you’re concerned.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the latest health targets results show the gains made in the previous quarter have again been largely maintained.
“The health targets are important as they drive performance across the health system, ensuring that New Zealanders get better access to key health services,” says Dr Coleman.
“The latest quarterly results for April to June 2016 show that the progress made in the previous quarter has largely been sustained.
Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman says New Zealand’s Olympic team should be incredibly proud of achieving the country’s best ever results at an Olympic Games with a total of 18 medals.
“Our Olympians have secured New Zealand’s best ever medal haul, and their achievements are a great reward for the hard work and training they’ve put into their sport,” says Dr Coleman.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has welcomed the official opening of the new $215 million Burwood Hospital in Christchurch.
“Burwood Hospital is the first cab off the rank in the close to $1 billion of hospital redevelopments underway in Christchurch,” says Dr Coleman.
The $215 million facility was officially opened by Prime Minister John Key today.
Burwood Hospital focuses on services for older people, which were previously located at The Princess Margaret Hospital.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has today confirmed there will be a Government initiated independent Inquiry into the Havelock North water contamination issue.
“The situation in Havelock North is concerning. It is important that the public has confidence in their water supply,” says Dr Coleman.
“To ensure we have a clear understanding of what has happened in Havelock North as well as any learnings from the situation, the Government will launch an independent Inquiry.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says $17.2 million over four years in Budget 2016 will help to support the 500 Syrian refugees arriving in New Zealand over the next two years.
“The Government wants to support the Syrian refuges settling in New Zealand to successfully transition and adapt to the Kiwi lifestyle,” says Dr Coleman.
"Many of these refugees have suffered a great deal of trauma and they will require ongoing specialised support.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman welcomes today’s opening of Waitemata DHB’s new $9.8 million Emergency Department (ED) at Waitakere Hospital. Minister Paula Bennett officially opened the facility.
“The new fit-for-purpose ED at Waitakere Hospital is almost double in size, creating the extra capacity needed to meet the future needs of the local community,” says Dr Coleman.
Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman wishes New Zealand’s top athletes the best of luck as the Rio Olympics get underway this weekend.
“I wish all our athletes, their coaches and support teams all the best over the next 16 days in Rio,” says Dr Coleman.
“Like many New Zealanders, I’ll be following the team’s progress with great interest, and I look forward to seeing them taking on the world and winning.”
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says up to 60 new palliative care positions are being established as part of the Government’s $76.1 million boost for hospices.
“Hospices make a huge difference ensuring terminally ill people are as free from pain and suffering as possible. They also provide valuable care and support for families and friends,” says Dr Coleman.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says suitably qualified and approved registered nurses will be able to prescribe from a list of commonly used medicines from next month.
“Registered nurses play an important part in helping to deliver faster, more convenient healthcare,” says Dr Coleman.
“We’re keen to support registered nurses to work at the top of their scope where it’s safe and appropriate for them to do so.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has officially opened the $3.9 million refurbished integrated hospital and health centre, Clutha Health First.
“It’s great to see a community-run hospital and health centre evolve to provide the integrated models of care that the local Clutha community needs,” says Dr Coleman.
“It’s important that all New Zealanders can access timely and high quality healthcare closer to home, that’s a key focus of the refreshed New Zealand Health Strategy.
A national registry which goes live today will lead to better services and better care and support for people living with a spinal cord impairment, say Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and ACC Minister Nikki Kaye.
“This registry will collect and record a wide range of information about people throughout their lifetime, from the moment they’re affected by a spinal cord impairment,” says Dr Coleman.
Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman has awarded a number of grants to enable more Kiwi kids to play winter sport.
“Participating in sport is a key part of a Kiwi childhood. It helps keep our kids active, making them healthier and happier, and teaches them valuable life skills,” says Dr Coleman.
“However, for some kids and their families the costs associated with sport, such as gear, uniforms and membership fees, are a real barrier to participating and competing.
