Mountain Tui: Crashing New Zealand’s health system is not the way to prosperity, Prime Minister
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- Date published:
2:44 pm, July 16th, 2024 - 15 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, david seymour, health, Shane Reti, uncategorized -
Tags: doctors, GPs, nurses
Cross posted from Mountain Tui‘s substack post.
Another day, and yet another piece of bad news for New Zealand’s health system.
Reports have come out that General Practitioners (GP) may have to close doors, or increase patient fees to survive. The so-called ‘capitation’ funding review, which supports GP practices to survive, is under way, and primary care practitioners are concerned.
First, let’s do a quick recap to examine our health system landscape since Prime Minister Luxon, Health Minister Shane Reti and Finance Minister Nicola Willis have taken over their porfolios.
In May, MP for Whangarei, Shane Reti, was selling his Government’s health credentials:
“Our Government has set ambitious targets for the health sector…(Our) budget prioritises frontline health services & workers “
But just a month earlier, in April, a series of information leaks had already forced Health NZ to confirm it had brought PWC consultants in and were directing all public hospitals to save a total of $105 million by July 2024.
For example, Auckland was asked to cut $15.5m from its hospitals, Northland $4.5m, Canterbury & South Canterbury $14.5m, Nelson $3m, Bay of Plenty ~$7m etc.
The directive confirmed “the Government is asking the public sector to make efficiencies to manage significant cost pressures.”
Could this have anything to do with the $12-14bn of tax cuts the National Government was going to gift us all in May?
The one that Nicola Willis made on the back of public service cuts and lowering beneficiary incomes. The one she then borrowed an additional $12bn for, pushing us into a government debt ratio of ~45% and with a larger budget deficit than any of Grant Robertson’s budgets, bar Covid?
Furthermore, Reti had, as soon as he got into office and through to the budget:
- Put on indefinite hold the Whangarei hospital re-build despite the previous government’s committed funds of $800m to it.
- Put into limbo Nelson’s hospital plans, after plans had already been procured and agreed to for optimal patient care and capacity.
- Deferred Dunedin hospital investment without a clear timeline, putting into doubt previous National Party promises
- Did not fund any of the mental health doctors they promised
- Funded half of the promised new medical registrars, and trying to blame that decision on the Universities!
- Broke their promise of funding cancer drugs in the May budget, then spectacularly u-turning after public backlash.
- Cut funding for the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) who is already dealing with a 3 year backlog of complaints
- Cut $381 million in planned digital health investment, after Labour had committed the funds, leaving the health system in a disarray of paper records, and paper trails
And as Ministers Reti and Willis plugged their budget as being good for healthcare, doctors and medical professionals simultaneously warned:
This budget leaves our health system treading water, our workforce over-stretched and patients left waiting longer and longer.
About hospitals again –
It’s been confirmed again this week that frontline hospital roles are going unfilled, amidst Health NZ’s budget cuts.
Don’t forget that this austerity doesn’t apply to landlords ($3bn over 4 years), pothole contractors ($4bn over 3 years), and road build spend ($70bn over 10 years)
Make no mistake – this is about priorities, not forced austerity.
Last month, Health NZ denied a hiring freeze despite suddenly freezing new graduate nurse intakes. At a time of critical nursing shortages, it was a bizarre move to not support our home grown graduates and leave them in the lurch like this.
Health NZ had already ordered an immediate hiring freeze on all non-frontline roles – as if that imaginary line between front-line and non-frontline means anything in practice.
This week, Whangarei hospital nurses stepped out to warn that conditions for patients and staff in Northland hospitals were deteriorating rapidly. “Eventually somebody will die.” They feared Government cutbacks on staffing was affecting patient care and risked lives –
Hospitals are not the only frontline staff feeling the heat.
Back to primary care –
We are in a GP crisis. It’s not new. Weeks long waits to see one are common, if access is available at all. General Practitioners Aotearoa’s Dr Burrell has said New Zealand’s GP-to-patient ratios is “embarrassing”. Only 25% of practising doctors now work in primary care, a stark fall from years before.
The GP body wrote to Health Minister Dr Shane Reti 5 months ago to discuss how to address this crisis.
Two months after that, Shane Reti showed us how that went. On a segment on Q&A with Jack Tame, he said he didn’t include GP targets into his Government’s ‘ambitious’ public service targets, because that was “too hard.“
Once again, this Government demonstrates a keen lack of seriousness and responsibility, instead giving themselves homework that’s more suitable for crayons than serious governance.
I could go on, but let’s start to wrap it up.
In Lower Hutt, National Minister Chris Bishop’s electorate, one practice had one GP for over 9000 patients. Today, after a lot of publicity and pressure, they hired a new GP.
The health system is in crisis, and it will need bold leadership to correct. The previous Government had started a number of those measures, and it is up to the current one to not only advance them, but also improve on it. Not roll them back and make it worse, or redirect investment to tax cuts and roads instead.
Before the election, ACT promised “care and dignity” to primary care practitioners. 13% funding per patient was what they said they would offer to GP practices if they won.
Fast forward to over a year later.
New Zealand’s GP practices have just been offered 4% in “capitation” patient funding support from the Government – that’s less than inflation, and well below their cost pressures. The profession said this could hurt an already struggling sector and force some practices to close. But they are also being told they can increase patient fees by nearly 8 per cent to compensate.
That means, this Coalition Government wants sick New Zealanders to stump up the extra, with 1% still missing, at a time when cost of living, and the reinstatement of prescription fees is already hurting many.
The consultation process is now underway and as always, we hope the Government will capitulate to common sense.
Still how much of all the gifted tax cuts will be eaten up by ongoing fees caused directly by this same Government?
Is it any surprise that two more Health NZ Board members have suddenly and ‘surprisingly’ quit before their term has ended? That leaves only 2 members left after others opted to opt-out as well.
Make no mistake, our health system is in crisis. The decisions of the present count much more than any number of road cones.
These are not only significant health infrastructure deficits, they are health system deficits of skill, morale, capacity, and leadership too.
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Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay today announced the Government will welcome the Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Mathias Cormann, to New Zealand on 27-28 August. “I’m pleased to host Secretary-General Cormann for his first official visit to New Zealand. This is an opportunity to highlight ...2 days ago
- Delivering more competitive banking for Kiwis
The Government will act on all 14 recommendations made by the Commerce Commission’s final report into bank competition Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister, Andrew Bayly say. “The Commerce Commission has proven what’s been long-suspected: New Zealand’s banking sector is uncompetitive, and Kiwis are not being ...3 days ago
- Updated settings to restore ETS market confidence
Settings for the New Zealand Emission Trading Scheme have been updated to ensure New Zealand has a more credible market, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “Since coming into Government, we have been clear we want a credible ETS-led approach to reduce emissions, and we were willing to make tough ...3 days ago
- New pathway for essential seasonal workers
The coalition Government is providing immediate relief to employers with upcoming seasonal peaks by creating a new subcategory of the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV). “We know in the coming months a number of sectors will need a significant number of additional workers to undertake key seasonal roles. “Alongside the changes to the Recognised ...3 days ago
- New TAB Board appointments announced
Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced four appointments to the TAB New Zealand (TAB NZ) Board. The new members of the Board are Hon David Bennett, Tim Gillespie, Bill Moran, and Kereyn Smith. In addition, Wendie Harvey has also been reappointed for a further term of office, and existing member ...4 days ago
- Drunk and drugged drivers targeted by new road policing programme
Drunk drivers and drugged drivers will be heavily targeted to improve safety on our roads by the new $1.3 billion Road Policing Investment Programme RPIP (2024-2027) which has been released today by Transport Minister Simeon Brown. The package includes: Increased alcohol breath tests with a target of 3.3 million roadside ...4 days ago
- 20 Government actions free up the rural economy
Hard working men and women of rural NZ are doing their bit to help rebuild our economy, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “With interest rates and on farm inflation having turned a corner, farmers continue to innovate and boost productivity while working to meet environmental obligations. “With 80 per cent ...5 days ago
- Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting 2024 Joint statement
Australia-New Zealand Leaders' Meeting 2024 Joint statement The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, welcomed the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, to Canberra for their first annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting on 16 August 2024. Prime Ministers acknowledged the Ngunnawal people as Traditional ...6 days ago
- Trans-Tasman relationship in great shape
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has wrapped up a successful two-day visit to Australia, with a meeting in Canberra with his counterpart Anthony Albanese. “Prime Minister Albanese and I had a hugely productive discussion and I’m pleased to report our relationship is stronger than ever,” Mr Luxon says. The leaders released ...6 days ago
- New Chief Human Rights Commissioner appointed
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is appointing Dr Stephen Rainbow as the new Chief Human Rights Commissioner as part of three major leadership changes. “Dr Rainbow’s career has encompassed a range of roles including managing government relations for the largest infrastructure project in New Zealand, lecturing at Victoria University, as Director ...6 days ago
- Immigration priorities Speech to Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA)
INTRODUCTION Tena koutou katoa, nga mihi nui kia koutou. Thank you very much for the introduction, Alan and to your team, thank you for inviting me to speak to your members. This is a really fantastic opportunity for me, for the first time, to set out my priorities in the ...6 days ago
- New pump station protects regional airport from flooding
A new pump station that provides flood resilience and increased protection for the Invercargill Airport was opened today by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The Stead Street Pump Station will improve the region’s ability to ride out severe weather events. “Our Coalition Government is firmly focused on rebuilding a ...7 days ago
- Minister’s message to disgruntled providers
“I am committed to putting the safety of children in Oranga Tamariki’s care ahead of the security of the businesses run by providers,” Children’s Minister Karen Chhour says. “Under the last Labour Government, Oranga Tamariki was allowing providers who were under-delivering on their contracts to keep unused funding, they were ...7 days ago
- Great Rides get e-bike upgrade
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey today opened a fund to establish e-bike charging stations for New Zealand’s Great Rides so as many people as possible can experience our incredible cycle trails first hand. “Every year, more than one million people enjoy the Great Rides and bring with them an ...7 days ago
- Foreign Policy Speech to the Lowy Institute
Kia ora and good afternoon everyone, and thank you for the warm welcome. It’s always great to be back in Sydney, a city in which I spent five years of my professional career and have some wonderful family memories with my son having been born here. Before beginning I would ...1 week ago
- Overwhelming demand to open charter schools
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Charter Schools Agency (CSA) has received 78 applications to open new charter schools, or to convert existing state schools to charter schools. “This shows the demand from educators to free themselves from the shackles of the state system and meet the needs of ...1 week ago
- Good governance a focus of North Pacific tour
New Zealand will support good governance and quality audit activities in the North Pacific, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says. “Promoting good governance and strong institutions is an important part of our development programme in the Pacific. We are pleased to be providing $16.4 million in support to the Pacific ...1 week ago
- Improving fairness and ease of doing business
A raft of reforms to modernise and simplify company law will make New Zealand an easier and safer place to do business Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “To rebuild the economy and increase the value of our exports, we need to ensure our companies are not hamstrung ...1 week ago
- Government acts on disability review findings
Immediate action will be taken to stabilise the disability support system after an independent review found the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha was ‘ill-prepared’ to deliver these services when it was established in 2022. “This Government is committed to supporting disabled people, which is why we provided a record ...1 week ago
- RSE Scheme revitalised and cap increased
The coalition Government is supporting the growth of New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries, by revitalising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme and increasing the cap for the coming season. “We are making changes that can be delivered quickly, reduce costs and compliance for employers, and improve flexibility for RSE workers,” ...1 week ago
- NZ to cooperate on marine resources in Palau
New Zealand and Palau will cooperate more closely on oceans and marine resources, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says. “Marine resources are a critical source of food and economic security in the Pacific and are closely intertwined with the well-being and identity of Pacific communities,” says Minister Peters during a ...1 week ago
- Cost of living relief welcome
Today’s cut in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 5.25 per cent is welcome relief for families and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “New Zealand has been suffering an acute cost-of-living crisis since the middle of 2021, with weekly food budgets stretched thin, mortgage repayments high and confidence in ...1 week ago
- David Anderson’s resignation as ABC managing director could be a watershed moment for the broadcas...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne The resignation of David Anderson as managing director of the ABC has the potential to be a watershed moment in the history of the national broadcaster. It offers the ...2 hours ago - Grattan on Friday: Presidential battle showcases the differences between US political system and our...
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- Local government keen to see funding tools for regional deals
The day after the PM blasted councils for their spending, the government came in with a sweetener for the sector. ...5 hours ago - Politics with Michelle Grattan: Joe Hockey says Kamala Harris and Anthony Albanese share views
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra This year’s Democratic National Convention has been an event filled with excitement and optimism, a far cry from where the Democrats were just weeks when Joe Biden was their presidential candidate. With Kamala Harris ...5 hours ago
- Opinion: The New Zealand Public’s KiwiBank On The Auction Block
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- The NDIS reform bill has been passed – will it get things ‘back on track’ for people with disa...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Dickinson, Professor, Public Service Research, UNSW Sydney The government has passed a bill that will pave the way for sweeping reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In late March many in the disability community were surprised when the government ...5 hours ago
- Ecological art can bring us closer to understanding nature. How does this look in the era of climate...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexandra Crosby, Associate Professor, School of Design, University of Technology Sydney Topographies at Sydney College of the Arts Gallery. Jessica Maurer Ecology has always fascinated Australian artists. Think of landscape painters like Arthur Boyd (1920–99), who was inspired by nature and committed ...6 hours ago
- Shane Jones threatens to end Electricity Authority if it doesn’t ‘man up’
There's no point maintaining it if it's unwilling to flex its muscle or use its full powers, he says. ...7 hours ago
- PM, mayors, local iwi meet to discuss saving threatened mills
Mayors from Ruapehu, Kawerau and Taupō all expressed concerns for the local economy and their communities following the proposed closure announcement. ...7 hours ago
- Social media accelerates trolling – just look at Raygun. How can we stop viral moments from spiral...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Tuffley, Senior Lecturer in Applied Ethics & CyberSecurity, Griffith University For Australian breaker Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, the 2024 Paris Olympics were marred by an outpouring of online trolling. Gunn’s performance was met with a savage backlash on social media. Viral videos ...7 hours ago
- The Senate has passed the NDIS reform bill – will it get things ‘back on track’ for people wit...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Dickinson, Professor, Public Service Research, UNSW Sydney The Senate has passed a bill that will pave the way for sweeping reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The bill will now return to the House, where it’s expected to be ...7 hours ago
- Rafts of garbage, kelp and other debris could transport alien invaders to a warming Antarctica
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Dawson, Postdoctoral Research Associate in oceanography, University of Tasmania LouieLea, Shutterstock The remote icy wilderness at the bottom of the world is exposed to pollution and foreign organisms on floating ocean debris. Recognising the threat to Antarctica’s remote coastline and ...8 hours ago
- Day after accusing councils of wasting money, government puts $750K toward dance festival
Critics are targetting funding for a new street dance contest and salaries at the Ministry for Regulation. ...8 hours ago
- Pine Tree Report ‘reads Like A Horror Story’ For Farmers
Federated Farmers say the ‘Why Pines?’ report released today by the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge should serve as a major wake-up call for the Government. ...8 hours ago - Mayor Has Meltdown Over Government Directives
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- Unions Reject Flawed Care And Support Pay Equity Review Outcome As A Distraction
Unions representing care and support workers flatly reject the pay equity methodology report released by Te Whatu Ora. ...9 hours ago
- ‘Slippery slope to mediocrity’: Mayors hit back at PM’s speech
Christopher Luxon called for councils to "rein in the fantasies", manage spending, and focus on delivering their core services - but mayors say they already do this. ...9 hours ago
- Want NZ banking to be more competitive? Then make it easier to switch banks
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aaron Gilbert, Professor of Finance, Auckland University of Technology The Commerce Commission’s banking market study has concluded more competition is required to reduce the profits of the big four banks. But the report suggests increasing competition may be ineffective unless customers are ...10 hours ago
- Which future? Japan’s net zero vision for the region boosts gas and threatens green exports in Aus...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney petroleum man/Shutterstock Japan has a very clear vision of what the Asia-Pacific’s clean energy future looks like – decarbonisation, but done slowly and with a longer role for coal, oil and ...10 hours ago
- Upper Hutt Principals Call For Slow Down To Pace Of Change
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How anyone could vote for this current shower of no hopers is beyond my comprehension. We saw exactly the same 12 years ago, only this time it is even worse. Those who can get out of the country now are leaving in their thousands – as evidenced by the latest migration statistics.
I know from personal experience how this stupid policy of social service austerity affects a family. Once gone they will never return even though their home is NZ.
Where I work the rosters clerk retired, not to be replaced. Their duties included replacing sick staff and data entry to ensure people were paid, fairly crucial. Their role has been covered by redeploying a Registered off clinical duties. Great, not.
This has all been done before in the UK and it has very little impact on voting behavior. In 2010 the UK government started a program of austerity and underfunding across the public service – including health. That government was able to win 2 more elections convincingly despite the obvious detereation of the health system.
Those who depend on public health care are likely to be a minority of voters – especially given the widespread use of private health insurance in NZ. Given this fact and the nature of the modern voter, paying $10 less in tax each week will be far more appealing than a new hospital or properly funded GP's.
In a democracy we must accept the will of the voting majority and that majority has consciously chosen significant under-funding and under-investment in our public health care system. Until that view changes there isn't much we can do about it.
I'd say there's still a significant group who are totally dependent on the public system. And let's not forget that the best health insurance means nothing in NZ when ED level acute treatment is required. The Ambos would deliver even Luxon and co. to the nearest public hospital.
Where I doubt they'd forced to lay on a trolley in the corridor for hours.
Plus, people who feel genuinely screwed over by having done their part of a bargain and then been unceremoniously dumped won't feel happy about doing so again, we hope.
It's all up to the opposition to warn voters not to go for the rhetoric "You've had the tough times, don't waste the good times just around the corner".
I wrote a too long post https://mountaintuihere.substack.com/p/the-folly-of-retreat-in-the-face
It's the misinformation, disinformation and faux culture wars that lead people to vote against their own interests, in my view.
Hi Mountain Tui, I read your Link. And found it not to long at all…very interesting and full of Info !
I have followed Politics, with particular reference to Climate Change, for many years. I am but a layman, however do like to read the Science . I also am proud to be of the Left : )
When I did see your mention of the Koch brother/s, I recall many of their NZ connections….You might well have seen this link?
And ACT/Dirty Politics…I was kinda shocked at the time when I read this….Of course this was just normal for those kind of creeps, as was revealed. Some Psychopaths : (
Cactus Kate
Many thanks, and yes I had seen that Gideon link when I researched Taxpayers Union….ick
Nice to chat.
Disaster Capitalism.
Deliberately underfund to fuck up the public system.
To justify replacing it with private, for profit, corporate raiders.
Like the water infrastructure in local councils at present.
Had to book a 15min video chat with the GP two fucking weeks ahead. In fucking Karori. I sure hope these fascists get the boot very soon.
What is the GP so I understand?
General Practitioner, i.e. Doctor
GP == General Practicioner
This one is Karori Medical Centre. I assume government straps them of cash so they're unable to run a responsive service
Does that answer it?
To clarify, I think finance minister Nicola Willis lives here in Karori, which makes things extra disastrous. Do these people have a separate health service or what!?