nHIP approved by Cabinet

Return to eHealthNews.nz home page

eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth

The high-level business case for the national Health Information Platform has been approved by Cabinet.

At a meeting on 2 September, Cabinet approved a business case with funding of $1.8 million that will include a prioritised plan of what types of data, health information and services will be accessible to whom, and by when, and the technology and other enablers that need to be in place to deliver it successfully.

The business case will also include ‘proof of concepts’ to test technology capabilities and delivery assumptions and provide learnings that validate the implementation approach, an analysis of the health and disability sector change impact and associated change management costs, dependencies and risks, as well as an implementation plan for the first delivery tranche, a case for investment and estimated costs and associated benefits.

The business case will be funded within existing Vote Health baselines, including the completion of proofs of concept and/or pilots to test and evidence the proposed approach within the business case.

The Ministry of Health is now developing the detailed business case, which is due to go back to Cabinet next year.

Ministry of Health director general of digital and data Shayne Hunter says the programme will transform access to and use of health information, improving the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

“This is a really positive step in creating the digital health landscape for the future. It is the starting point along a pathway toward a better connected, more reliable digital health environment.

“It will address what is currently a largely unrealised opportunity to make a positive difference to the wellbeing of New Zealanders and their families through better use of health information.

“In addressing this gap, nHIP will support the health and disability system to better meet the needs of New Zealanders,” he says.

The nHIP is founded on the notion of interoperability and replaces the idea of developing a single Electronic Health Record.

“It will have the ability to assemble a virtual electronic record on an “as required” basis from multiple trusted sources, and provide access to data and services,” Ministry group manager digital strategy and investment Darren Douglass previously told eHealthNews.nz.

This will enable consumer‐related information from multiple sources to be available to those who need it, when and where needed, subject to appropriate security and privacy.

He said at the time the Ministry is planning a phased approach to implementation with investment in tranches and avoiding ‘lock in’ to a single technology solution. 

Health Minister David Clark told the HealthTech Conference 2019 in Auckland in July that the nHIP business case would go to Treasury that month or August, but it was ultimately delayed until September.

If you would like to provide feedback on this news story please contact the editor Rebecca McBeth.

Read more news:

Clinical IT leaders develop NZ digital academy business case

NZ could be global leader in digital health

Return to eHealthNews.nz home page