The Government has released a ten year plan to modernise New Zealand’s health technology, with Health Minister Simeon Brown saying the changes have been designed to give patients faster access to care and end the need to repeat medical histories at every appointment.
Brown said the health system is being held back by outdated and disconnected technology.
“Right now, 65 per cent of hospitals still use paper based notes, and critical information does not flow between your GP and hospital in many parts of the country.
“This means patients often have to repeat their story multiple times, and clinicians waste valuable time on paperwork instead of treating patients.
“Currently, Health New Zealand has over 6000 digital systems one different computer system for every 15 staff members. That is the result of years of underinvestment and quick fixes instead of proper planning.”
Brown said the Government is releasing New Zealand’s first Health Digital Investment Plan, a ten year roadmap to modernise healthcare with investments he said will make a real difference for patients.
The plan sets five core goals that include improving outcomes for patients and families, supporting clinicians, stabilising critical infrastructure, building foundations for innovation, and enabling data driven decision making.
Investment will be made in a single electronic medical record for the entire sector, enabling patient information to move securely between GPs, specialists and hospitals. Funding will also support remote patient monitoring for earlier discharge, a national radiology system to prioritise urgent cases, and stronger cybersecurity protections.
“Imagine getting your cancer diagnosis and having your entire treatment journey coordinated through connected systems no repeated tests, no lost referrals, no wondering what happens next. That is what modern digital healthcare looks like.
“Modernising a system this complex takes time. The ten year plan will be delivered in three phases stabilising critical systems, modernising platforms, and enabling innovative healthcare models that put patients first. Each phase builds on the last, and Health New Zealand is already taking action Kiwis will see in the next few years.”
The Government is creating a Centre for Digital Modernisation of Health, a partnership between Health New Zealand and delivery agencies that will bring together international innovation capability, artificial intelligence expertise, and process engineering to coordinate digital investment.
“This is a completely new approach for Health New Zealand, tackling the kind of large, complex programmes that have failed in the past when governments have tried to do them alone.
“But we are not waiting to move. The Accelerate programme is digitising patient notes in hospitals that rely on paper and upgrading Wi Fi and device availability to support clinicians across hospital settings. Health New Zealand has also established HealthX to accelerate innovation and the use of AI.”
Sponsored by the Chief Executive of Health New Zealand, HealthX will introduce one innovation initiative each month. These will include AI scribes in emergency departments, remote patient monitoring for safe home recovery, and tools to augment x ray processes to speed diagnosis.
“Our Government is focused on fixing the basics while building the future so that all patients have access to timely, quality healthcare. Smarter digital investment means shorter wait times, safer care, and a health system that works for all New Zealanders.”
