Our health system is being reshaped with and for the people who use it, and particularly those who have been traditionally underserved, are most disadvantaged or have the greatest need. Listening to and acting on the voices of people, whānau and communities is central to the reforms, and to the delivery of future health services.
The future system will be supported by a clear set of expectations and guidelines for how local, regional and national organisations should listen to and involve communities and consumers. This will ensure everyone understands the importance of community and whānau representation in determining and designing the services they use.
We will bring together consumer groups into a more accessible national system of consumer forums. These forums will connect Health New Zealand, the Māori Health Authority, and the Ministry of Health to national, regional, and local consumer groups to make sure the right voices are heard, in the right way.
Our future system will: