We are developing an Outcomes Framework for health which will provide a set of high-level health and wellbeing outcomes.
In addition, there will be six health strategies in total – an overarching New Zealand health strategy and five population-specific strategies:
- a Hauora Māori Strategy
- a Pacific Health Strategy
- a Health of Disabled People Strategy
- a Women’s Health Strategy
- a Rural Health Strategy.
These strategies will:
- assess the current state of health outcomes and system performance
- assess trends and risks in the next 5–10 years
- set out opportunities and priorities for improvement.
Though a Workforce Strategy is not required under the Pae Ora Act, the success of the health system depends on a strong workforce and is a mandated component of the other strategies.
There are existing health strategies and other direction-setting documents. The Hauora Māori Strategy, Pacific Health Strategy and Health of Disabled People Strategy will be informed by existing strategies and action plans.
Aotearoa will have a new Women’s Health Strategy, Rural Health Strategy and Health Workforce Strategy.
The strategies will set the direction across the health system and will inform decision-making and priority setting by Government and the health system.
The purpose of the strategies is to provide the roadmap for change – they won’t commit us to particular actions needed to get there. This will be the role of the New Zealand Health Plan and the next Government Policy Statement.