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NZ health system's digital infrastructure is as important as the bricks-and-mortar hospitals

CIO Studio

In our rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, digital infrastructure has emerged as a cornerstone of modern medical systems and is being increasingly recognised.


Health Minister Dr Shane Reti’s recent address at the Digital Health Association (DHA) Parliamentary event emphasises this perspective, highlighting the urgency and potential of investing in robust digital health solutions. “The health system’s digital infrastructure is as important as the bricks-and-mortar hospitals,” Reti said, pointing to a future where technology and healthcare converge to create more efficient, patient-centred systems.


 

The current fiscal challenge


Health New Zealand faces significant fiscal challenges. Contributing to this challenge is the fragmented nature of our existing IT systems. 

To address this crisis, Reti has taken a strategic shift that reinforces the importance of rethinking our approach to health system management, with a significant focus on digital infrastructure.





The promise of digital health


Digital health solutions offer a transformative opportunity to address these challenges. Reti’s vision includes leveraging digital technologies not just as a cost-saving measure, but as a means to enhance patient engagement and service delivery.


This approach aligns with global trends, where digital health is increasingly recognised for its potential to improve accessibility, streamline operations, and deliver better health outcomes. Telehealth, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and interoperability between systems are key components of this digital transformation.



Strategic investment in digital infrastructure


Reti’s message is clear: the digital infrastructure of our health system is as crucial as the physical infrastructure. He highlighted the need for strategic, long-term investment in digital health solutions, equating their importance to that of hospitals themselves. “Interoperability is key – we need to break down the divides between agencies, systems, and between private and public healthcare,” he told the Digital Health Association (DHA) parliamentary event.


Reducing bureaucracy and complexity


A significant part of the new Commissioner Lester Levy’s turnaround plan involves reducing bureaucracy, management, and administrative complexity. “We need to do more with the resources we have got, rather than just constantly asking for more resources, because we need to provide more value,” Levy asserted. This focus on efficiency and value aligns perfectly with the capabilities of digital health technologies.


Digital solutions can streamline administrative processes, reduce paperwork, and improve data management. They enable healthcare providers to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks. This shift can not only improve efficiency but also enhance the quality of care provided to patients.


Engaging patient in new ways


One of the most exciting aspects of digital health is its potential to engage patients in new and meaningful ways. Telehealth, for instance, offers patients the convenience of receiving care from the comfort of their homes. It reduces the need for travel, decreases waiting times, and provides greater flexibility in scheduling appointments.


Moreover, digital tools such as mobile health apps and wearable devices empower patients to take an active role in managing their health. These technologies provide real-time data on various health metrics, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.


A call to action


Reti’s message is a call to action for the healthcare sector to embrace digital transformation. The current fiscal challenges facing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora present an opportunity to rethink and revitalise our approach to healthcare. By investing in digital infrastructure, we can create a more efficient, effective, and patient-centred health system.


“The health system’s digital infrastructure is as important as the bricks-and-mortar hospitals,” as Reti reiterated. This statement captures the essence of the future of healthcare – a future where digital and physical infrastructures work hand in hand to deliver optimal health outcomes.


Let's turn the opportunity into reality


The integration and enhancement of our digital health infrastructure is imperative for the future of our healthcare. As Health Minister Shane Reti and Commissioner Lester Levy have highlighted, addressing the current fiscal challenges requires a strategic focus on digital health solutions. By reducing bureaucracy, improving efficiency, and engaging patients in new ways, we have the opportunity to create a sustainable and effective health system. 


The investment in digital infrastructure is not just a financial necessity but a crucial step towards a healthier and more resilient future for all. 

In front of us we have an opportunity, as the NZ Digital Health sector, to support and deliver this digital future that our future generations will benefit from.


Get in touch with the CIO Studio team to discuss how a systematic and tech-informed approach to digital transformation can help your organisation deliver the very best in patient care.




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