Health investment increases to a record $16.1b

Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller. Photo/file

Delivering better health services remains this Government's number one funding priority.
Budget 2016 sees substantial investment in health reaching a record $16.1 billion in 2016/17 with an extra $568 million to be invested - the biggest increase in seven years, and almost $170 million more than last year.

DHBs will benefit an extra $1.6 billion over four years to invest in services, improve access, and to meet cost pressures and population changes. For us in the Bay, this means an extra $32 million for the Bay of Plenty DHB this year which will assist them to help keep our communities healthy.

Our dedicated health workforce is making a difference to the lives of New Zealanders.

New Zealanders need a health workforce that is well equipped to handle current and future demands. More doctors and nurses in our DHBs will ensure faster treatment and better experiences for patients and their families. As of 31 March 2016 there were over 310 doctor full-time equivalents and around 1,040 nurse full-time equivalents employed by Bay of Plenty DHB. That's almost 80 more doctors and 190 more nurses compared to 2008. We have had tremendous economic growth in the last few years and this has allowed the government to invest resources into healthcare.

The increase in funding sets the direction for a more integrated and patient-centred system and will help New Zealanders continue to access the healthcare they need.
This extra funding over the next four years includes:
• $124 million for Pharmac to provide more access to new medicines.
• $96 million to provide more elective surgery.
• $39.3 million to start the roll-out of a bowel screening programme.
• $42 million for vulnerable groups:

o $18 million to expand the Healthy Homes Initiative which aims to reduce preventable diseases in young children;
o $12 million to increase support for primary care and social services to enable people to access mental health help earlier;
o $12 million to expand a successful programme which provides intensive alcohol and drug support for pregnant women.

Access to elective surgery is a priority for this Government. As New Zealanders live longer, doing more elective surgery each year is crucial. Providing New Zealanders with better access to elective surgery will make a real difference to patients and their families.

With around 3,000 New Zealanders diagnosed with bowel cancer each year the Government is committed to better access to early detection and treatment. Once fully implemented, the programme is expected to screen over 700,000 people every two years.