Implementing the New Zealand Health Strategy 2011

This report details the actions taken through 2011 to progress priority areas that have been signalled to the sector.

These priority areas are:

• health targets
• bringing services closer to home
• health of older people
• strengthening clinical leadership and the health workforce
• financial management and sustainability
• ensuring quality.

These priority areas remain consistant with the New Zealand Health Strategy and will continue to be priority areas for the medium term.

This report fufils the Minister of Health's responsibilities under section 8 of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 to report annually on the implementation of the New Zealand Health Strategy (see sections 2 - 6. It also meets the requirements under section 9 of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 to report annually on progress on implementing the National Strategy for Quality Improvement (see section 7).