New minister appointed as govt makes health a priority for 2025

NEWS - eHealthNews editor Rebecca McBeth

Simeon Brown has been appointed as the new Minister of Health as the government identifies health as a priority area for 2025.

When announcing the Cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that while he is confident Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is heading in a better direction he has also “heard Kiwis’ concerns that they expect to see even more progress”.

He said he appointed Brown as Health Minister in order to deliver on that expectation and that alongside growth, health is a priority area for this year.

Brown, who was previously the Transport Minister, says his absolute priority will be ensuring access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.  

He acknowledges significant challenges ahead but says he is determined to ensure funding is focused on strengthening the clinical workforce, clearing surgical backlogs, and improving access to care.

An immediate challenge is Health NZ’s expected budget deficit of more than $1 billion for this financial year.

As part of its savings drive, Health NZ is consulting with staff on a new operating model for digital services which will reduce the number of full time roles by 47 percent in an effort to save $100 million a year. This is on top of more than $380 million in digital funding recalled as part of Budget 2024. 

Any new funding for the sector is expected to be based on the organisation’s 10-year digital infrastructure investment plan which was due to be completed at the end of last year.

The plan describes digital investment in terms of foundations (core technology, data and interoperability and workforce capability), digital experience (clinical and operational, corporate, and consumer and whānau) and future shifts (support for service priorities such as radiology, analytics and insights, and emerging technology).

The digital plan feeds into a wider infrastructure roadmap, expected be ready in early 2025.

HiNZ acting chief executive Scott Arrol says the organisation welcomes the appointment of Brown and looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate to unlock the huge potential of data and digital innovation in transforming New Zealand’s health system.

“Harnessing these tools effectively can drive significant improvements in care delivery, empower patients and clinicians, and support the achievement of the government’s health targets,” Arrol says.

“We also acknowledge outgoing Minister Shane Reti for his efforts and commitment since stepping into the health portfolio.”

Reti will assume responsibility for New Zealand’s universities and the country’s science sector.

Digital Health Association chief executive Ryl Jensen says the health system must evolve to meet the needs of a growing and ageing population.

"Like every other sector, healthcare must embrace innovation and new technologies to improve outcomes, efficiency, and equity. However, the actions taken over the last eight months appear to be at odds with the progress made over the past 5 years," she says.

"We look forward to working with Simeon Brown and the government to highlight the critical importance of digital health and advocate for solutions to address the current situation."

Image: Newly appointed Health Minister Simeon Brown

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