Health Minister Jonathan Coleman is praising an innovative programme in the Far North which aims to better support people with long-term musculoskeletal conditions.

“The Government invested $6 million in Budget 2015 to create community based early intervention multi-disciplinary teams designed to better support patients with musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis,” says Dr Coleman.

“We have 17 of these Mobility Action Teams across the country which are all trialling innovative community led approaches.

“A great example of this is the new programme launched in the Far North. It aims to connect participants over a five week period with the knowledge, inspiration and medical support they need to live life to their fullest.

“The programme includes a series of short films featuring people living in Hokianga with musculoskeletal conditions. They are very personal stories about individuals learning ways to stay active and motivated.

“The films show how making small changes can help people both improve their health as well as their general wellbeing.

“Participants then go through a supported programme of exercise and education delivered by a local allied health professional, such as a physio.

“As part of the programme, they can also connect with an Auckland-based multidisciplinary team for support via videoconferencing.

“This is a great example of utilising technology, which if successful could be adapted for other remote or rural communities.”

The six films in the series were developed by Awa Films in partnership with Active+, Northland DHB, Hokianga Health Enterprise Trust, Te Tai Tokerau PHO and the Ministry of Health.

For more information about the Mobility Action Programme and the current Mobility Action Teams at: www.health.govt.nz/map

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has marked the 20th anniversary of the Green Prescription initiative, which has seen around 400,000 medication-free healthy lifestyle prescriptions given out.

“The Government is committed to supporting New Zealanders to live healthier more active lives away from hospitals,” says Dr Coleman.

“One of the ways we are doing this is through Green Prescriptions, which contain advice on nutrition and physical activity. Local initiatives range from cooking classes to motivational texts, and a range of opportunities to be active.

“There are a variety of reasons someone might receive a Green Prescription from their GP or practice nurse. Patients may have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, weight issues, have high blood pressure or cholesterol, at risk of stroke, or have arthritis.

“Almost 50,000 adults received a Green Prescription in the past year. That’s up from 1,960 prescriptions in the first year of the initiative.

“To date, over 400,000 New Zealanders and their families have now been given a green script. That’s the equivalent of one for every man, woman and child in Wellington City.

“The initiative is having a really positive impact, with two thirds of patients who received a Green Prescription last year saying they’re now active and almost three quarters said they were eating more healthy foods.

“Many patients also report other positive health changes, such as weight loss, increased fitness and higher energy levels.

“Green Prescriptions is a world-leading initiative and has received international acclaim. I’d like to acknowledge the health professionals who support this initiative and all of New Zealanders who have benefitted from it.”

Notes to Editors

An Active Families component was added to the Green Prescriptions programme in 2004 in response to GPs’ concerns from seeing increasing numbers of overweight children in their practices.

In 2015/16, 1,439 children from 1,250 families were referred to a Green Prescriptions Active Families programme. 

Green Prescription services are provided by a range of organisations across New Zealand including local regional sports trusts, primary health organisations and NGOs.

A recent survey of over 2,800 recipients found the prescriptions not only benefit the individual but also have a positive impact on the whole family.

Summary of key findings:

73 per cent reported positive changes in their health 65 per cent said they are also encouraging others to be more active 64 per cent are still active 6 to 8 months after receiving their prescription 71 per cent have made changes to their diet 81 per cent are now motivated to get and/or stay physically active

The full results from the Green Prescription patient survey and further information about the initiative are available on the Ministry of Health website: www.health.govt.nz

Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman says our nation’s sporting volunteers are stepping up to the plate and it is important to recognise their efforts during National Volunteer Week, which runs from 18-24 June.

“Nearly a quarter of New Zealanders have given their time to support sport and recreation with almost one million kiwis volunteering in the past year,” says Dr Coleman.

“Volunteers are often the first people in and the last ones out, and National Volunteer Week highlights the significant contribution that they make.

“Coaches, umpires and referees, through to the people who wash the uniforms and transport players are taking up roles big and small. Without them our wealth of opportunities to be active and healthy would simply not exist.

“Volunteers also play a key role in supporting New Zealand’s hosting of major events. During the recent World Masters Games around 4,000 volunteers helped make this year’s event a huge success.

“Our hosting of major events is leaving a meaningful legacy for sport in our country in a number of ways but especially by bringing together passionate volunteers to support the sport and recreation in New Zealand.”

This year’s theme is ‘Live, laugh, share – volunteer: Kia ringa hora – Me mahi tūao’, which Volunteering New Zealand hopes will capture the appreciation felt when people come together to build stronger, more vibrant communities through volunteer service.

More details on how to throw your hat in the ring and get involved are available online at www.nationalvolunteerweek.nz

Health Minister and Sport & Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman has welcomed the release of ‘How We Eat’, a report that assesses evidence on eating behaviours and their influence on diet and body size.

“We all know a healthy diet is important, but this report also highlights how peoples’ eating behaviours also make a significant difference,” says Dr Coleman.

“There have been a number of studies on eating behaviour but this report brings together a wide body of evidence and, for the first time, assesses what behaviours have the most impact.”

‘How We Eat’ is designed to help health practitioners but can be of benefit to anyone interested in healthy eating and living. It will support the work being carried out under the Government’s Childhood Obesity Plan, especially the ‘Big Change Starts Small’ campaign.

“Making a few simple changes to how we eat can add up to significant benefits to our health,” says Dr Coleman.

Key findings from the research which support healthy eating habits include:

Avoiding watching TV when eating – people tend to eat more in front of a screen. The importance of adults providing a good example for children, especially eating fruit and vegetables. Involving children in preparing meals and eating together as a family. Eating a variety of foods and flavours when pregnant or breastfeeding (including bitter vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower) can help children accept vegetables in early childhood.

The report is based on research commissioned by the Ministry of Health and carried out by Auckland University researchers Sarah Gerritsen and Associate Professor Clare Wall. It covers breastfeeding, parental feeding practices, parenting style, adult role modelling, responsive eating, mealtimes and food literacy.

‘How we Eat’ was presented at the Activity and Nutrition Aotearoa Conference.  It is available on the Ministry of Health website here.

Minister of Health Jonathan Coleman and Minister of Science and Innovation Paul Goldsmith have welcomed this year’s annual funding round of Health Research Council grants with a number focusing on Maori and Pacific health.

“The 54 project grants announced today cover a wide range of topics and will provide invaluable information to help improve health outcomes for New Zealanders,” says Dr Coleman.

“An emphasis on Pacific health sees seven studies receive grants that will improve Pacific health outcomes in New Zealand with three of these from the dedicated Pacific Islands Families study.

“These Pacific grants cover research into cultural resiliency and vulnerability in mental health, sleep and well-being among Pacific children, and respiratory health, and the impact of hearing loss on Pacific youth.

“In addition to these, seven grants have been awarded to studies which focus on Maori health outcomes. These include research looking at ways to improve early access to lung cancer diagnosis, reducing hospital admissions for Maori children and support for young Maori mothers.

“Understanding how one of the world’s most problematic superbugs survives antibiotic treatment during infection is the topic of another study which will help address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.”

“Projects must address well defined research questions with the aim of making significant improvements in or developing knowledge contributing to health outcomes,” says Mr Goldsmith.

“The HRC supports research that leads to improved health outcomes and more effective delivery of healthcare for New Zealanders, and research that brings economic gains for New Zealand.

“We want to maximise the opportunities in this area. Commercial health research is also a great opportunity to grow our high value exports.

“The annual amount available for health research through the Health Research Council (HRC) was increased by 56 per cent over four years in Budget 2016, going from $77 million in 2015/16 to $120 million in 2019/20.

“This investment shows our commitment to ensuring that health research remains a strength for New Zealand.”

Minister of Health Jonathan Coleman and Minister of Science and Innovation Paul Goldsmith have welcomed this year’s annual funding round of Health Research Council grants with a number focusing on Maori and Pacific health.

“The 54 project grants announced today cover a wide range of topics and will provide invaluable information to help improve health outcomes for New Zealanders,” says Dr Coleman.

“An emphasis on Pacific health sees seven studies receive grants that will improve Pacific health outcomes in New Zealand with three of these from the dedicated Pacific Islands Families study.

“These Pacific grants cover research into cultural resiliency and vulnerability in mental health, sleep and well-being among Pacific children, and respiratory health, and the impact of hearing loss on Pacific youth.

“In addition to these, seven grants have been awarded to studies which focus on Maori health outcomes. These include research looking at ways to improve early access to lung cancer diagnosis, reducing hospital admissions for Maori children and support for young Maori mothers.

“Understanding how one of the world’s most problematic superbugs survives antibiotic treatment during infection is the topic of another study which will help address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.”

“Projects must address well defined research questions with the aim of making significant improvements in or developing knowledge contributing to health outcomes,” says Mr Goldsmith.

“The HRC supports research that leads to improved health outcomes and more effective delivery of healthcare for New Zealanders, and research that brings economic gains for New Zealand.

“We want to maximise the opportunities in this area. Commercial health research is also a great opportunity to grow our high value exports.

“The annual amount available for health research through the Health Research Council (HRC) was increased by 56 per cent over four years in Budget 2016, going from $77 million in 2015/16 to $120 million in 2019/20.

“This investment shows our commitment to ensuring that health research remains a strength for New Zealand.”

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy have committed another joint funding boost to rural mental health.

The Ministers committed $500,000 for Rural Mental Wellness at the opening of the Fieldays Rural Health Hub earlier today.

It will go towards 20 workshops for rural health professionals treating people at risk of suicide, continued support for the rural Clinical Champions and Medical Director, as well as support aimed at younger rural workers.

“The Government recognises that rural life goes in cycles, and we want to support our rural communities through the ups and downs,” says Dr Coleman.

“The Rural Mental Wellness initiative is administered by Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand and Rural Support Trusts.

“It’s the right mix of further raising awareness of mental health issues within rural communities, coupled with practical help to improve the skills of the health professionals who work alongside the rural sector.

“This additional funding will help maintain the momentum and builds on the investment the Government has made in previous years.

“Cabinet will soon consider a new mental health strategy, which will take into account the needs of our rural communities.”

Minister Guy says farmers tend to be self-reliant and don’t always like asking for help.

“Farmers are really good at looking after the land, animals and machinery, but they aren’t traditionally as good at looking after themselves,” says Mr Guy.

“Due to its very nature, farming can be a very isolated occupation. Farmers often spend long hours on the farm, and aren’t easily able to socialise regularly with others compared to those who live in built-up areas.

“It’s important that farmers and their families know they aren’t alone if they need someone to talk to. There is a wide range of good advice and support from organisations like Rural Support Trusts, Farmstrong, and Dairy NZ.”

Notes to Editors:

Dr Coleman and Mr Guy have made a joint funding announcement for Rural Mental Wellness in 2016 and 2015.

At Fieldays 2015, the $500,000 was split between Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand (RHÂNZ) and the Rural Support Trusts and was used for strengthening capabilities in the rural sector which included:

Recruiting almost 80 new facilitators for the Rural Support Trusts; Ensuring most Rural Support Trusts have designated rural mental health coordinators; Providing mental health training to the facilitators and coordinators; Appointing 15 mental health clinical champions to help improve referral pathways and; Enabling RHÂNZ to deliver 42 suicide prevention workshops across rural New Zealand. Around 900 people attended and have been trained, including health professionals, police, social workers, and school counsellors.

In 2016 the funding was extended for another year. The second phase of the Rural Mental Wellness initiative was $600,000 and went towards:

Ten more suicide prevention workshops in rural areas not yet covered; The development of a new workshop programme focused on managing suicidal patients in a rural setting; Funding the Medical Director; RHÂNZ starting work on a longer-term approach to improving rural mental health outcomes; Upskilling 0800 operators so they are better equipped to respond to distressed farmers and their families; Two coordinators (North Island and South Island) to work in partnership with Rural Support Trusts to strengthen referral networks; Ensure the majority of Rural Support Trusts have designated rural mental health coordinators and; Providing mental health training to the facilitators and coordinators.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the Government is taking steps to dramatically reduce Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI).

“This Government believes in supporting women and families to have healthy babies who grow up to be healthy kids,” says Dr Coleman.

The SUDI rate is approximately 0.7 in every 1,000 babies born, and 1.59 for every 1,000 Maori babies born. The goal is 0.1 in every 1,000 births by 2025.

By reducing the overall rate of SUDI by 86 per cent and 94 per cent for Maori by 2025, the number of SUDI deaths would be reduced from 44 to six.

“We know that babies are at the greatest risk of SUDI in their first 10 months and that rates are higher for Maori babies,” says Dr Coleman.

“The National SUDI Prevention Programme will target two of the biggest preventable risks for SUDI, which are being exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and having the baby sharing a bed.

“To support this new approach we’re investing an extra $2 million into the Programme, taking its annual budget to $5 million.

“The programme will better utilise innovative approaches to reduce smoking, including smoking cessation incentive programmes which have proven effective in trials.

“Although evidence shows it’s safest for a baby to sleep in a bassinette or cot, however we know that in some families this doesn’t happen. That’s why we’re supporting these families to have their baby sharing a bed as safely as possible.

“From September we will be providing safe sleep devices (also called wahakura or baby boxes) to families identified as needing them during the baby’s first year of life.

“As some DHBs already have a similar scheme in place, the new programme will now be nationally coordinated. We expect every family who needs this form of assistance will be identified and supported to keep their baby safe during sleep.

“More needs to be done to address our SUDI rate, and by adopting this evidence based approach it’s hoped that real and meaningful change can be achieved.”

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has today opened Waitemata DHB’s $9.84 million Whenua Pupuke Clinical Skills and Research Centre at North Shore Hospital.

“The new facility will allow Waitemata DHB to support the continued training of staff and encourage research which will ensure the provisions of a world class health service,” says Dr Coleman.

“Whenua Pupuke provides conference, learning and research facilities for staff, external users and undergraduate students which will help facilitate a quality workforce who can deliver an improved patient experience.

“The centre includes a new auditorium, teaching spaces, a clinical skills laboratory, and a purpose built biomechanics laboratory. This will allow growth in simulated teaching for the 6,700 staff employed by the DHB.”

The facility will focus on new international teaching models that are built on closer collaboration between care providers and teaching institutes to enhance collegiality and knowledge sharing.

“Whenua Pupuke is one of a major suite of projects that have been completed at Waitemata DHB recently including the redevelopment of the emergency department at Waitakere Hospital, the new outpatient clinic and the Sky Bridge, all of which allow the DHB to keep up with population growth.

“Waitemata is the largest and fastest growing DHB in New Zealand, the current population is at 598,000 and is set to grow by 90,000 by 2025.”

Waitemata DHB will receive an extra $53 million in new money this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $1.558 billion for 2017/18. That’s an extra $482 million in funding over the last nine years.

Included: Photo of Dr Jonathan Coleman cutting the ribbon with Dr Lester Levy, Chair of Waitemata DHB, Dr John Cullen, Director of Awhina and Hon Alfred Ngaro MP.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the refreshed Better Public Services targets will help ensure young New Zealanders get the best start to life and that we’re better prepared to act before kids end up in hospital.

“Healthy pregnancy and a safe birth are foundations for a good start to life,” says Dr Coleman.

“With this in mind, the new health-led results and targets have a strong focus on improving outcomes for pregnant women and babies, and supporting kids to have a healthy childhood.”

Result 2: Healthy mums and babies

Target: By 2021, 90 per cent of pregnant women are registered with a Lead Maternity Carer in the first trimester, with an interim target of 80 per cent by 2019, with equitable rates for all population groups.

“Most pregnant women and children experience good health and wellbeing most of the time, but for a range of reasons Māori and Pacific families, and families in high deprivation areas, have poorer maternal and child health outcomes on average,” says Dr Coleman.

“Early and continued regular engagement with a Lead Maternity Carer (usually a midwife) is associated with normal healthy births and better pregnancy outcomes.

“Lead Maternity Carers also connect mother and child with other core health services, such as general practice, immunisation, Well Child Tamariki Ora checks, and oral health services, as well as other social services.”

Result 3: Keeping kids healthy

Target: By 2021, a 25 per cent reduction in hospital admission rates for a selected group of avoidable conditions in children aged 0 - 12 years, with an interim target of 15 per cent by 2019.

“Avoidable hospitalisations include dental conditions, respiratory conditions (such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, asthma and wheeze), skin conditions (such as infections, dermatitis and eczema), and head injuries,” says Dr Coleman.  

“It’s not about limiting access to hospital treatment when this is needed. In fact, we may see more children being identified with previously undiagnosed conditions, and hospitalisations may go up in the short term.

“The focus is on intervening early, so we can prevent conditions getting worse to the point where hospitalisation is needed.

“This target will be supported by the free under 13 GP visits and prescriptions introduced by this Government.”

To achieve this target the Ministry of Health will work closely with DHBs and the wider health sector. As well as other Government agencies such as MSD, the MBIE and Housing NZ.

Notes for Editor

The new health related Better Public Service results replace two previous health focused results. Infant immunisation and rheumatic fever prevention will continue to be focus areas.

Eight-month-old immunisation rates remain as one of the Government’s health targets and an increased emphasis is also being placed on five-year-old coverage.

The Government has allocated $5 million per year over the next five years to the 11 DHBs with a high incidence of rheumatic fever so they can continue to deliver rheumatic fever prevention activities to their priority populations.

There will also be ongoing efforts to reduce rheumatic fever incidence through a focus on respiratory conditions within the new Result 3, including cross-agency work to improve the availability of and access to appropriate housing.