Summary: The Ministry of Health’s Statement of Intent 2015–2019 identifies outcomes for the health system and the Ministry: New Zealanders live longer, healthier and more independent lives. The health system is cost-effective and supports a productive economy. The Ministry has three high-level outcomes that support the achievement of the above health system outcomes: New Zealanders...

Highlights National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) successes and identifies key areas that will further strengthen the programme. Executive summary The National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) has been highly successful in reducing the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer. From 1991, when the NCSP commenced, to 2011, cervical cancer mortality declined from 6.2 to 2.4...

Summary Medicines play a significant role in helping New Zealanders get well, stay well and live well. We have already made positive changes in this area, but there are substantial challenges ahead of us. We need to buy, use and manage medicines wisely. We need to meet the needs of our ageing population and meet...

The Ministry of Health’s Disability Support Services (DSS) group has developed a four-year Strategic Plan for 2014 to 2018. Summary The plan sets out the vision for Disability Support Services – that disabled people and their families are supported to live the lives they choose – along with some guiding principles that informed the development...

This guide shows how to carry out a health literacy review and build a health-literate organisation. Summary Individuals and whānau face a series of demands on their health literacy when navigating their way through the health system. These demands impact on consumers’ ability to access health information, care and services. Internationally, support is growing for...