Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Associate Minister Peter Dunne have announced that, following a successful trial, the Ministry of Health will extend its funding for the Suicide Mortality Review Committee (SuMRC).

“Our suicide rate is too high, particularly the rates for youth and specifically Maori and Pacific young people,” says Dr Coleman.

“Although wider interventions and support have been made available, there is always more we can do.

“The SuMRC committee will provide vital knowledge about factors and patterns of suicide that will help guide new suicide prevention activities and reinforce and strengthen existing activities.

“In line with international trends here in New Zealand we’ve seen an increase in demand for mental health and addiction services in recent years.

“To help meet this increase the Government’s funding for mental health and addiction services has lifted by $300 million. In addition to this, Budget 2017 committed an extra $224 million, including $124 million for new approaches.

“Cabinet is in the process of considering new mental health initiatives, and the details of these are expected to be released in the next few weeks.”

“Following a successful trial it’s common sense to fund SuMRC, as part of the Health Quality & Safety Commission,” says Mr Dunne.

“Already established mortality review committees have shown their value in their respective areas. For example, since its inception the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee has noted a fall in the rate of stillbirths in New Zealand from 5.6 per 1000 in 2007 to 5.1 in 2015.

“Mortality review committees operating under the NZ Public Health and Disability Act 2000 can require identifiable data from other agencies under strict confidentiality provisions.

“It is this power that will enable us to bring together datasets, linking them in ways not previously possible to identify key patterns and possible intervention points and strategies, with an aim to reduce suicide.”

SuMRC was established under the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2013-16 and operated on a trial basis under the Health Quality & Safety Commission. It will now receive $750,000 annually, reprioritised from Ministry of Health baseline funding.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a new project is seeking to establish if tracking trends on social media and unconventional data can help predict outbreaks and further improve our responses to epidemics.

“We’re in the midst of the cold and flu season, so trying to predict outbreaks of infectious bugs is top of mind,” says Dr Coleman.

“The Ministry of Health is trialling an innovative approach aimed at improving our response to epidemics by predicting outbreaks earlier.

“The project uses alternative sources of information to detect trends that indicate the spread of infectious diseases, including social media and a range of historic and current data sets.

“People often talk about being unwell on social media, so trends can be detected on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Picking up on trends could help us to put the appropriate measures in place earlier to prevent disease spread, and ensure sufficient stocks of medicines are available.

“The Ministry is also harnessing a wide range of data for this project, such as anonymised information about school absenteeism, employee sick leave, pharmacy sales of over-the-counter medicines, Healthline calls and tissue sales.

“Claims that luxury soft tissue sales surge at the start of influenza outbreaks are also being analysed to see whether not just the sale volumes but the types of products can act as an early epidemic warning.

“This project builds on our existing monitoring programmes which work well to identify trends in communicable diseases using traditional methods, such as surveillance of lab results and data from general practices.”

There's currently an online survey that asks people if they’ve ever posted information social media about themselves or their family’s illnesses.

This innovative project is supported by the $888 million extra invested into Vote Health this year, taking it to a record $16.8 billion.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says $2.1 million over two years will be pumped into selected DHBs to help families support their children’s healthy growth and development.

“Childhood obesity can have serious long-term effects on a person’s health and wellbeing as they age. As a result some of our kids could end up living shorter lives than their parents,” says Dr Coleman.

In 2015 the Government launched the 22-initiative Childhood Obesity Plan. At the centre of this Plan is the Raising Healthy Kids health target, making New Zealand one of few countries in the OECD to have a plan and target.

The health target came into effect in July 2016 and aims to have 95 per cent of children identified in a B4 School Check as obese, being offered a referral for a clinical assessment and family-based nutrition, activity and lifestyle interventions by December 2017.

“We’ve identified ten DHBs which have a higher proportion of children who are obese, and need some additional assistance to offer interventions and support to more families,” says Dr Coleman.

“These are often difficult conversations for health professionals to have with families, with many not realising their child’s weight is an issue.

“Key outcomes will include ensuring that families are aware of the small changes they can make which are known to have a hugely positive impact on a child’s health and development.

“These include the importance of healthy eating, being active, reducing screen time and getting enough quality sleep.”

The $2.1 million will be shared between Northland, Waitemata, Auckland, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Tairawhiti, Hawke’s Bay, Capital & Coast, Hutt, and Canterbury.

“Good progress nationally is being made against the Raising Healthy Kids health target,” says Dr Coleman.

“In quarter three, 86 per cent of children identified as being obese were offered a referral, up from 49 per cent in quarter one.

“This means across the country in quarter three, caregivers of 1,886 four-year-olds identified as obese have been offered a referral to a health professional for a clinical assessment and for advice on nutrition, activity and lifestyle.”

Further information about the target and the plan is available on the Ministry’s website, http://www.health.govt.nz

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says over a million contacts have now been made to the country's telehealth provider for advice on health issues as well as mental health and addiction support.

“The National Telehealth Service operates a number of significant health information services and this week hit a million contacts in just under 20 months, with 1,002,952 contacts this morning,” says Dr Coleman.   "This includes over 600,000 contacts to Healthline, 141,000 to mental health and addiction services, 150,000 to Quitline and 43,000 for poisons advice.

"All these services are staffed by a trained, professional workforce. Telehealth services provide convenient, accurate, immediate and free health and mental health advice round the clock 7 days a week via the phone or online.

“Late last month I launched 1737, need to talk? a free four digit number people can text or call to talk with a counsellor anytime, day or night.

“The service has drawn more than a thousand contacts since its launch, and the 1 millionth contact to telehealth was a text message to 1737.

"We're seeing a lot of young people contacting the 1737 number - mostly by text. It shows the benefit of engaging with young people in the ways which work best for them."

The National Telehealth Service, launched on 1 November 2015, consolidates a range of Health-funded helplines through one clinically-supported platform including Healthline, Quitline, immunisation and poisons advice, the Depression helpline and other mental health and addiction lines.

Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman says the next major event on New Zealand’s sporting calendar is the Rugby League World Cup 2017.

“Today marks 100 days to go until the kick off the Rugby League World Cup New Zealand’s set to co-host in late October,” says Dr Coleman.

“Preparations are well underway for the tournament which will see seven of the 28 games played in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, and Christchurch.

“The economic benefits to New Zealand are expected to be considerable with organisers forecasting over 6,000 international visitors, contributing around $4.8 million to our economy.

“To support the tournament organisers and the host cities the Government has committed $1.35 million from the Major Events Development Fund.

“2017 has been a big year of major sporting events, with the successful hosting of the DHL New Zealand Lions Series and the World Masters Games. This tournament provides another opportunity for New Zealand to further demonstrate our ability to host world-class events.”

The 2017 Rugby League World Cup comprises of 14 teams playing 28 games over five weeks in three countries. New Zealand and Australia are co-hosting, with three matches also being played in Papua New Guinea.

The tournament kicks off in Melbourne on 27 October. New Zealand will host its first game the following day at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, when the Kiwis play Samoa.

Rugby League World Cup 2017 Men’s Tournament Draw

Date

Match Type

Match-Up

Venue

27/10/2017

Pool Round 1

Australia vs England

Melbourne Rectangular Stadium

28/10/2017

Pool Round 1

PNG v Wales

National Football Stadium, PNG

28/10/2017

Pool Round 1

New Zealand vs Samoa

Mt Smart, Auckland

28/10/2017

Pool Round 1

Fiji vs USA

Townsville Stadium

29/10/2017

Pool Round 1

Scotland vs Tonga

Barlow Park, Cairns

29/10/2017

Pool Round 1

Ireland vs Italy

Barlow Park, Cairns

29/10/2017

Pool Round 1

France vs Lebanon

Canberra Stadium

3/11/2017

Pool Round 2

Australia vs France

Canberra Stadium

4/11/2017

Pool Round 2

New Zealand vs Scotland

Christchurch Stadium

4/11/2017

Pool Round 2

Samoa vs Tonga

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

4/11/2017

Pool Round 2

England vs Lebanon

Sydney Football Stadium

5/11/2017

Pool Round 2

PNG vs Ireland

National Football Stadium, PNG

5/11/2017

Pool Round 2

Italy vs USA

Townsville Stadium

5/11/2017

Pool Round 2

Fiji vs Wales

Townsville Stadium

10/11/2017

Pool Round 3

Fiji vs Italy

Canberra Stadium

11/11/2017

Pool Round 3

Samoa vs Scotland

Barlow Park, Cairns

11/11/2017

Pool Round 3

New Zealand vs Tonga

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

11/11/2017

Pool Round 3

Australia vs Lebanon

Sydney Football Stadium

12/11/2017

Pool Round 3

PNG vs USA

National Football Stadium, PNG

12/11/2017

Pool Round 3

Ireland vs Wales

Perth Rectangular Stadium

12/11/2017

Pool Round 3

England vs France

Perth Rectangular Stadium

17/11/2017

Quarter-Final

 

Darwin Stadium

18/11/2017

Quarter-Final

 

Christchurch Stadium

18/11/2017

Quarter-Final

 

Wellington Regional Stadium

19/11/2017

Quarter-Final

 

Melbourne Rectangular Stadium

24/11/2017

Semi-Final

 

Brisbane Stadium

25/11/2017

Semi-Final

 

Mt Smart, Auckland

2/12/2017

Final

 

Brisbane Stadium

Kick-off times to be confirmed in due course.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the start of the bowel screening programme is a major milestone for the New Zealand health system, and will ultimately save lives.

“This week the first letters inviting people to take part in the screening programme are being sent to eligible residents in the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa DHBs,” says Dr Coleman.

“This is the first step in the phased implementation of the free National Bowel Screening Programme throughout New Zealand over the next three years.

“We know that this programme will help to detect bowel cancer at an early stage, when treatment is easier and the outcomes more successful.

“Over the next two years, approximately 30,000 residents in the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa DHB areas will be invited to do the bowel screening test.

“Every year around 3,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with bowel cancer and more than 1,200 die from it. Once screening is available nationwide it’s expected that up to 700 cancers will be detected annually.”

In line with international best practice, the screening programme is being phased in progressively.

Once it is fully rolled out, more than 700,000 people aged between 60 and 74 will be invited for free screening every two years.

“The introduction of the programme follows on from the successful pilot that has been run by Waitemata DHB since late 2011. Waitemata will continue screening through the pilot until the end of this year and transition to the national programme in January 2018,” says Dr Coleman.

“Southern and Counties Manukau DHBs will be the next to join the rollout and the nationwide rollout will be completed by 2020.

“The latest data shows 4,437 patients received a colonoscopy in May 2017 – this is the largest number performed in a single month since data collection began in July 2012. This is a 71 per cent increase compared to 2,594 colonoscopies carried out in May 2013.

“This has helped to reduce the number of patients waiting longer than recommended for a colonoscopy, which in May 2017 was down 71 per cent from May 2013, meaning 6,496 fewer people are waiting longer than recommended.

“Meeting the demand for colonoscopies is a key part of preparing for the roll-out of the national bowel screening programme.”

The Government has invested $77.8 million into the screening programme’s progressive roll-out to date, with a further $19 million invested into delivering more colonoscopies quicker.

Further information on the National Bowel Screening Programme is available at www.bowelscreening.health.govt.nz

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has welcomed the appointment of Mark Leggett as the new General Manager of the South Island Alliance.

“Mark Leggett brings significant clinical and executive management expertise to the role,” says Dr Coleman.

“He trained as a nurse and midwife, and has held senior executive roles across public and private health organisations. Most recently he was Vice President International Services for HHL Group (Healthcare New Zealand).”

The South Island Alliance, a collaboration of the South Island’s five DHBs, works to progress the Government’s ‘Better, Sooner, More Convenient’ care approach for the South Island population.

“The five South Island DHBs are strongly committed to the alliance way of working, which has resulted in significant achievements to date,” says Dr Coleman.

“Achievements include the roll-out of electronic referrals across the region, the development of a single South Island-wide patient management system and regional alignment of clinical practice through HealthPathways and Lippincott clinical procedures.

“The second half of this year will also see all five South Island DHBs sharing clinical information electronically across primary and secondary care.

“I would like to thank outgoing general manager Jan Barber for the role she has played in the progression of the South Island Alliance from a shared services agency to a collaborative intersectoral alliance.”

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says 1.2 million New Zealanders have been immunised with the seasonal influenza vaccine this year.

“This is the sixth year in a row where more than a million doses have been distributed before influenza cases peak and this is a credit to the sector,” says Dr Coleman.

“The influenza season officially began last week and as the vaccine takes up to two weeks to start providing protection it is best to get immunised now.

“The virus can be spread by people who don’t experience symptoms. By being immunised, we not only protect ourselves, but we help to ensure we don’t pass on influenza to our families, friends and colleagues.”

The vaccine is available free for high-risk groups from general practices and many community pharmacies until 31 December.

High-risk groups include people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, those with long-term health conditions such as severe asthma, and children under five years who have been hospitalised for a respiratory illness.

Those who are not eligible for free immunisation can also purchase a vaccination from general practices and some pharmacies.

The Ministry of Health recommends staying at home if you’re unwell, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your inner elbow when you cough or sneeze, and washing your hands regularly, to reduce the spread of illness to others.

For free health advice, call Healthline 0800 611 116.  For advice about influenza immunisation visit www.fightflu.co.nz or text FLU to 515.

Note to Editors:

The influenza vaccine for the 2017 season includes one new strain* based on recommendations from the World Health Organization. The composition is:

*A/Michigan/45/2015(H1N1) pdm09-like virus

A/Hong Kong/4801/2014(H3N2)-like virus

B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus

For further information, go to www.fightflu.co.nz or www.health.govt.nz/influenza or call 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863)

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has welcomed the generosity of Wellington benefactor Mark Dunajtschik, who will build and gift a new $50 million children’s hospital for the region.

The announcement was made this morning at Wellington Hospital where a heads of agreement was signed between Mr Dunajtschik and Capital and Coast DHB.

“Mr Dunajtschik is a very successful businessman with a very big heart and his offer to build a new children’s hospital for Wellington is extraordinarily generous,” says Dr Coleman.

“While gestures on this scale are not unheard of, they are extremely rare.

“Mr Dunajtschik has said his philosophy is that people blessed with a sound mind and body can look after themselves, but those born with or suffering illness and disability need our support.

“Although he has been a substantial benefactor in the areas of health, sport and education for forty years, this latest act of ‘giving back’ is unparalleled.”

This development will benefit the 4,000 children and their families admitted to child health services at Wellington Regional Hospital each year, as well as over 5,000 children who attend nearly 38,000 outpatient appointments.

While many details are still to be confirmed, the new hospital is expected to be around 7,000m², and is likely to be three floors. It is expected to include 50 inpatient hospital beds, as well as space for families to be together.

Existing child hospital and outpatient services will move into the new hospital. The services and staffing levels are expected to remain the same.

Mr Duanjtschik and his team will now work alongside DHB clinical teams to design a fit for purpose, family centred hospital for the region’s children.

The new hospital will be situated in the Wellington Region Hospital campus, and is expected to begin construction early next year and will take around 18 months.

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges, Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry have applauded the successful DHL New Zealand Lions Series after the final test last night at Eden Park.

“Last night’s dramatic stalemate capped off a hugely successful ten-match tour that has taken the British and Irish Lions the length of New Zealand and had a significant impact on our economy,” says Mr Bridges.

“The series has further reinforced New Zealand’s capability in hosting world-class major events. The Government has been proud to contribute $3 million through its Major Events Development Fund to help host cities deliver the Rugby 2017 Festival.

“Events like these showcase our country internationally. The series was expected to attract around 20,000 international visitors to New Zealand and the matches have been broadcast to an estimated audience of 200 million.”

“The series was full of spectacular moments and the excitement and entertainment, both on and off the field, has captivated the nation and tens of thousands of international visitors,” says Dr Coleman.

“Last night’s game was an epic thriller in the best traditions of the great Lions tours with the series ultimately ending in a draw. Both sides played some great rugby over the series and it will live long in the memories of New Zealanders.

“It was also fantastic to have over 20,000 British and Irish fans here in New Zealand. Their good humour and enthusiasm really made the tour.

“Everyone involved, from the tournament organisers and host cities to the various Government agencies who played a role, are to be commended for delivering such a high calibre, world class series.”

“The Rugby 2017 Festival provided a programme that included around 90 events and experiences across the seven host cities. This was a hugely successful opportunity to celebrate New Zealand’s rich culture and showcase our world-renowned Kiwi hospitality,” says Ms Barry.

“The festival events brought out pride in our host cities. I believe New Zealanders felt a real sense of manaakitanga – providing our own unique way of hosting international visitors.”

More detailed information about the numbers of attendees at festival events and the economic benefits the series has reaped will be available later in the year once analysis has been completed.