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Wairarapa MP, Georgina Beyer, says the Government's Primary Health Care Strategy will allow more flexibility for the Wairarapa health system.
It is designed to help meet the priorities and needs of individual communities, which is exactly what Wairarapa has been asking for, she said.
Health Minister Annette King launched the strategy at Tapu te Ranga Marae in Wellington yesterday.
Ms Beyer said the Strategy recognises that New Zealand has limited resources to spend on all social services.
"The key to getting better health for people, therefore, is to spend our health dollars where they can do the most good," she said.
"If we can keep people out of the expensive hospital system, then that makes huge sense, and will make more sense each year the Strategy is in place."
Ms Beyer said the Strategy takes a population-based approach to primary health care.
"Obviously the benefits won't happen overnight, but they will start to show in the next year as Wairarapa District Health Board funds organisations to work with our community. It can then respond to individual needs and priorities.
"The strategy sets the framework for more preventative care services, better access to services, comprehensive care, and improved co-ordination between primary health care providers and secondary providers of services," she said.
The Strategy encourages the setting up of Primary Health Organisations and Maori Development Organisations made up of a wide of range of health providers, including doctors, nurses and other health professionals, working together.
They will be not for profit organisations, funded by DHBs according to the needs of their enrolled populations, she said.
Ms Beyer said international evidence suggested user charges for health services impacted more on those who were poorer or sicker.
"The Government will cut cost barriers over time, with priority for those with greatest need. As funds become available (either by transfer from other parts of the health budget or through new funds) more support will be given to a wider range of people," she said.
"The strategy also promotes sharing of information. When successful initiatives are put in place in one area, these ideas will be shared with other regions too.
"This document is a high-level document. It doesn't prescribe minute detail about how the strategy will work in each community, because there must be flexibility to meet individual community needs.
"We want our communities to be well, and we'll give them all the encouragement we can within our means."
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