NGO Desk update
29 May 2009

Welcome to the NGO update for 29 May 2009.

For Your Action There are two vacancies for the Pacific Health area on the NGO Working Group World Smokefree Day - 31 May 2009 Te Muka Tangata Quarterly Forum on 11 June, Wellington IHC Community forums, June-September North and South Island Consumer Representatives Training Programme Workshop – 17 June, Takapuna, Auckland The Inaugural National Maori Men’s Health Conference 17-19 June, Blenheim Request for content and event information NGO Information Foundation of the Blind launches ‘See the Difference’ IHC Hot Issues for May 2009 The speech given by the Hon Paula Bennett Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand Symposium – 10-11 September, Wellington Post Polio Support Society NZ Annual Conference 11-12 September, Wellington Waikato Health and Disability Expo 18-19 September, Hamilton back to top For Your Information – from the Ministry of Health Statement of Intent 2009-2012 Health Targets - Quarterly Reports - Quarter Two 2008/09. National serosurvey of vaccine preventable diseases - Report to the Ministry of Health A Focus on Problem Gambling: Results of the 2006/07 New Zealand Health Survey Problem Gambling Resource for Local Government National Breastfeeding Promotion Campaign Update Ministry of Health media releases Other Information Statistics New Zealand - Let's talk about... Table Builder New University of Otago public health course: Public health law and public health ethics Every child counts May newsletter 2009 Every Child Counts Annual Awards Healthy, wealthy, and wise: socioeconomic status, poor health in childhood, and human capital development - Journal of Economic Literature Make your web site press friendly so journalists cover your organisation Nonprofits and social networking The big news of the week is the 2009 Budget – I have attached some of the health-related items and links to websites with more information. back to top

ACTION

There are two vacancies for the Pacific Health area on the NGO Working Group.

The health and disability sector NGO-Ministry of Health Working Group was set up in 2002 as an NGO and Ministry of Health response to the 2001 Statement of Government Intentions for an Improved Community-Government Relationship. Representatives of the health and disability subsectors are elected annually on a rotational basis to ensure consistency. The Working Group's main task is to work strategically on strengthening the sector's relationship with the Ministry of Health. Working Group members are, therefore, expected to be the leaders within their particular agency and within the sector. Only one representative of an agency is permitted to be on the Working Group at any given time.

Anyone from an NGO registered in the Pacific subsector with the NGO Working Group Secretariat may nominate a candidate for the Working Group by filling in the attached candidate nomination form (the nominated candidate will also need to sign the form). The list of registered agencies can be found through this link: www.ngo.health.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagescm/7428/$File/ngo-register-dec08.xls . NGOs must be registered to be eligible to nominate candidates and vote in the election. NGOs that have registered in the past will not need to re-register. NGOs may register at any time.

Nominations will close at 12.00pm on Friday 5 June and a postal election will be held (by email) from 9 June until 12.00pm 7 July.

Nominations should be sent to: Muno Richards (NGO Working Group Secretariat) secretariat@ngo.health.govt.nz or to 83 Frobisher St, Island Bay, Wellington 6023.

To access the necessary documents to register your organisation and nominate candidates, please go to this link: www.ngo.health.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexcm/ngo-news-pacific-vacancies?Open&m_id=2

For clarification on the process please contact Muno Richards (details above) or for information about the tasks and expectations for Working Group members approach Jo Fitzpatrick (Chair, NGO Working Group) on jo@womens-health.org.nz .

World Smokefree Day - 31 May 2009

The theme for World Smokefree Day 2009 is all about giving quitting smoking a go – and friends and family supporting those who want to quit. The theme for 2009 is ‘Me mutu - kia kaha / Give quitting a go – you can do it!’May 31 is World Smokefree Day. Get involved. Make May 31 your quit day, or help a smoker you love to quit smoking. You, your friends and family can get support to help quit smoking using these services:

• Aukati KaiPaipa (face to face)
• Quitline (telephone)
• Txt2Quit (Text)
• Other services (face to face)

Help your loved ones become smokefree. Support them, encourage them and congratulate them. www.worldsmokefreeday.org.nz

Te Muka Tangata Quarterly Forum on 11 June, Wellington

The theme of the Forum is ‘PHO’s responsiveness to Maori’. This theme has been chosen in response to the drive around the country of Medical Practitioners networks to remove any external independence that exists in their boards or remove themselves from existing PHO’s to become their own PHO’s. The establishment of PHOs was the brain child of Tariana Turia when she was the Associate Minister of Health with the Labour Government. As the Associate Minister of Health of the current government, Minister Turia, has agreed to come and speak to the Forum about what her aspirations were when she mooted this kaupapa.

A formal invitation will be sent to all PHOs in Whanganui A Tara to attend to listen to the voices of their Maori enrolled population. The Forum will commence with a powhiri at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Minister’s address. There will then be facilitated discussion on the topic followed by lunch.
If you wish to attend forward your name to Iris Pahau at awe@paradise.net.nz

IHC Community forums, June-September North and South Island

Last year IHC reviewed its governance structure. This resulted in Branch Committees being replaced with local Associations. It also resulted in a series of local forums that give IHC members, families living with intellectual disability and other interested members of the community the opportunity to get together and find out more about IHC.

This is your opportunity to:

• discuss issues about intellectual disability at a local level
• meet members of IHC Board
• hear the Board report on business activities and how IHC is run
• network with families and other interested people
• keep up with current issues

Community Forum dates 2009

13 June - Palmerston North
18 July - Timaru
29 August - Hamilton
26 September - Dunedin
Numbers are limited so register your interest - www.ihc.org.nz/Default.aspx?tabid=1676

Consumer Representatives Training Programme Workshop – 17 June, Takapuna, Auckland

The Consumer Representative Training Programme (CRTP) is designed to enhance the skills of current and prospective consumer representatives. The programme will be of interest to individuals who may have been asked to participate in or who could be interested in the future in being part of a committee, reference or focus group.

The Workshop includes:

• A summary of the NZ health system,
• An overview of the CRTP Handbook, including
  • Participating as a consumer representative
  • Group dynamics and dealing with conflict,
  • Meeting procedures
  • Consumer Rights, and
  • The importance of consumer representation

Details: 9.45–3.00, PHAB Building, Auburn Reserve, Auburn Street, Takapuna
The workshop is free, morning tea and lunch are provided, RSVP by Wednesday 4 June.
If you would like further information contact Sue Gibb North Shore Community Health Voice
(09) 484 0034 nscomhealthvoice@xtra.co.nz

The Inaugural National Maori Men’s Health Conference 17-19 June, Blenheim

This conference will be held at the Marlborough Conference Centre.
Keynote speakers include:

• Professor Kekuni Blaisdell (Hawaii)
• Dr Mark Wenitong (Australia)
• Dr Pita Sharples
• Dr Moana Jackson
• Naida Glavish
• Sir Tipen O’Regan
• Maaka Tibble
• Aroha Reriti-Crofts
• Dr Rhys Jones
• Awanuiarangi Black

The theme of the conference will be addressing "Ko Wai Au" so be part of the solutions and join us in addressing Tane Ora. View more details at www.taneora.co.nz/index.htm and mark this date into your diaries now.

Request for Content and Event information

Please use this opportunity to share your information with others in the sector and around the Ministry of Health. Email me on ngo@moh.govt.nz.

NGO INFORMATION

Foundation of the Blind launches ‘See the Difference’

The See the Difference programme was launched on 24 May with a TV campaign starring Foundation member, Sarndra Tamepo. With minimal Government support, it costs the Foundation about $26m each year to deliver its services to over 11,700 members. Approximately 1,200 people join the Foundation every year after experiencing serious sight loss. The RNZFB gives blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people the skills to do everyday things, like getting from home to work, cooking dinner or surfing the net.

This week the Foundation launches the See the Difference programme, calling on New Zealanders to help guarantee the vital services the Foundation provides to its 11,700 members.

See the Difference is the new way New Zealanders can support the work of the Foundation with a monthly donation of $20 - less than a dollar a day. Check out the See the Difference website for more details.
www.angoa.org.nz/angoa.documents/CRF-launch-speech-Hon-Paula-Bennett.pdf
www.seethedifference.org.nz

For more information please contact:
Anthea McLeary, RNZFB Communications Consultant, Ph (09) 355 6909, 027 496 4848

IHC Hot Issues for May 2009

Inside the May edition:

• Disability leadership in government
• New Ministerial Committee on Disability Issues
• Will the Ministerial Committee make a difference?
• New Deputy Commissioner – Disability – appointed
• United Nations review of New Zealand human rights includes disability
• My story – Danny
• Improving the health of people with an intellectual disability
• Inclusive education progress
• Update
• Last words

Read Hot Issues May 2009 online at: www.ihc.org.nz/Default.aspx?tabid=1680

The speech by the Hon Paula Bennett

Minister for Social Development and Employment, Minister for Disability Issues, and Minister of Youth Affairs, on Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Hon Paula Bennett’s speech was to a group of voluntary sector representatives at the Launch of the Community Response Fund.
www.angoa.org.nz/angoa.documents/CRF-launch-speech-Hon-Paula-Bennett.pdf

New fund to support critical social services during the recession
The Minister of Social Development and Employment Paula Bennett has announced the Government’s intention to establish a new fund to support critical social services for New Zealanders during the economic downturn.

It is expected up to $40 million in the first year will be made available to the Community Response Fund to support community and voluntary sector organisations.

Ms Bennett says the Community Response Fund is designed to assist those organisations facing cost and demand pressures to deliver vital social services.

“This government has worked alongside the sector on how best to support those organisations which are struggling in the economic environment to provide vital services to our most vulnerable individuals and families. This fund will be targeted at those groups facing increased demand for services, or severe financial difficulty due to the recession.”

Applicants to the fund will have to provide critical services to families, children, young and older people and meet a range of criteria. Regional panels with community representation will approve applications.

“We want to set up a fund which will enable communities to help for services they believe are critical in their areas. Different communities will have different needs and we want to support them through these tough times,” Ms Bennett says.
www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new+fund+support+critical+social+services+during+recession

Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand Symposium – 10-11 September, Wellington

SPINZ warmly invites you to the 2-day symposium Culture and Suicide Prevention in Wellington on September 10 and 11 - this is your chance to increase your knowledge and understanding of effective suicide prevention approaches in our modern, diverse society.

The event will open with a powhiri at Pipitea Marae and follow with our key note addresses from internationally recognised speakers, Professor Mason Durie and Dr Tracy Westerman. Later, at the Mercure Hotel, they will provide a great line up of presenters, refreshments and a symposium reception featuring local artists to allow you to relax and network with presenters and colleagues.

Come and learn more about:

• Culturally appropriate suicide prevention approaches.
• Suicide rates, risk and protective factors among Māori.
• Safe practice in suicide prevention across cultures.
• Building evaluation into your work, with a view to contributing to the evidence base of working effectively with Māori and other cultures.

You can register online now to take advantage of their early bird rate – there are different payment options for your convenience. www.spinz.org.nz/forms/show/symposium-registration/new/1/ Plus they will announce soon how to apply for a limited number of scholarships to cover registration costs.

This symposium will appeal to a wide range of people working in mental health. Keep an eye on the website for updates.
www.spinz.org.nz/page/90-SPINZ-National-Symposium-2009%20Welcome

Post Polio Support Society NZ Annual Conference 11-12 September, Wellington

Brentwood Hotel, Kilbirnie,
Guest Speaker: Professor Richard Faull - International Researcher on Neurodegenerative diseases and holder of the Rutherford Medal, NZ’s top science award

The conference will begin at 12 noon on the Friday followed by a series of speakers. Professor Richard Faull will speak at 3.00pm. His research of over 30 years has significantly advanced the understanding of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Motor Neurone Disease, and Epilepsy.

The Society is asking the question ‘What about Post Polio?” Dr Faull will also join delegates at the Conference Dinner on Friday evening after the Annual Meeting of the Post Polio Support Society.

On Saturday there will be speakers and discussions from 9.30 with the conference concluding at around 3 pm.

Enquiries to JB Munro, Secretary, Post Polio Support Society of NZ Inc, Phone (03) 489 1995 or 021 452 340 or email jbmunro@xtra.co.nz

Waikato Health and Disability Expo 18-19 September, Hamilton

Theme – Building your dreams
Registrations for organisations wishing to have stalls at the expo are open and a number have already confirmed that they will be involved. For more information, click on this link: www.healthanddisability.org.nz/ or email Vanessa Walker admin@healthanddisability.org.nz

MINISTRY OF HEALTH INFORMATION

Statement of Intent 2009-2012

Date of publication (online): May 2009

Foreword from the Minister of Health
This is the Ministry of Health’s Statement of Intent for 2009–2012. It sets out how the Ministry will focus on making the improvements to the public health system the Government requires and describes a more focused role for the Ministry that better positions it to deliver value for money.

As I have travelled around the country I have talked with many health professionals, and their dedication and commitment make me very optimistic about the future of New Zealand’s health system. Our health workforce is world class, but it is clear to me that many of those who participate in it are concerned about the current state of our health system.

Like health professionals, the public – and therefore patients – see a system where increasing amounts of money have been invested, taking up an ever larger proportion of the national income, without commensurate growth or improvement in services. People have become frustrated by unnecessary bureaucracy, long waits for patient assessment and specialised treatment, and an evident deterioration in some services.

The Government is determined to turn this situation around. New Zealanders want access to ‘Better, sooner, more convenient’ health services, and they want accountability for results. The Government has listened to what New Zealanders have said and we will be implementing a number of initiatives that will, among other things, increase the influence of professional front-line staff working in the sector, reduce waiting times for elective services, reduce waiting times in emergency departments, and devolve more services to primary and community settings.

To measure the impact of these changes, we have introduced six Health Targets that have a particular focus on better access to hospital services, prevention of ill health and improving the health of our children.

The changes this Government intends to make will improve the system for patients and health professionals alike. The changes will also contribute to making the health system adaptable and resilient enough to deal with the challenges we know lie ahead. This is essential if our system is to flourish and thrive in the decades to come.

The Government’s overarching goal is to enable New Zealanders to live longer, healthier and more independent lives. This Statement of Intent describes how the Ministry of Health will contribute to achieving it.
www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/soi0912

Health Targets - Quarterly Reports - Quarter Two 2008/09.

Detailed information on national progress towards the 10 Health Targets as well as progress for the individual DHBs is provided.
www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/healthtargets-developmentandmeasurement-quarterlyreports

National serosurvey of vaccine preventable diseases - Report to the Ministry of Health

The serosurvey is based on blood test results of children aged 6-15 years and adults aged from 16-70 years. The study from 2005 to 2007 measures immunity derived from vaccination or past infection. This information is helpful in determining the potential for future epidemics, potential age groups at risk, the need for public health intervention, and evaluation of vaccine specific programmes.
www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/national-serosurvey-of-vaccine-preventable-diseases-may09

A Focus on Problem Gambling: Results of the 2006/07 New Zealand Health Survey

This report presents key findings about problem gambling and gambling-related harm in the New Zealand population, from the 2006/07 New Zealand Health Survey.

In particular, the report examines gambling participation, the prevalence of gambling-related harm, other behaviours and health outcomes linked with problem gambling, and the prevalence of experiencing harm from someone's gambling.

Overall, the prevalence of problem gambling in New Zealand adults was 0.4% (about 13,100 adults). Additionally, the prevalence of moderate-risk gambling was 1.3% (representing a further 40,900 people). In total, 1 in 58 adults (1.7%, or 54,000 adults) were experiencing either problem or moderate-risk gambling.

Other key findings of this study include:

• Maori and Pacific people experience more gambling-related harm than other people
• people living in more socioeconomically deprived areas are more affected by gambling-related harm.

This study may help to inform the provision of problem gambling intervention services and public health activity, as the study showed that:

• problem gamblers can be found in both urban and rural areas
• Maori and Pacific people appear to be under-represented in intervention services
• people experiencing gambling problems are more likely than other people to be current smokers, have hazardous drinking patterns, have worse self-rated health, and have a high or very high probability of a mood or anxiety disorder.

Problem Gambling Resource for Local Government

This resource is designed to assist Territorial Authorities with their Class 4 and TAB gambling venue policy reviews, it includes:

• information about gambling legislation and the roles of various Government departments in New Zealand
• the role of the Territorial Authorities in reviewing their gambling venue policies (including what they are required to do, what they may choose to do, and what they cannot do)
• gambling venue policy options for Territorial Authorities
• background information on the economic and social impacts of gambling and problem gambling in New Zealand
• guidance on the statistics that could be used to inform gambling policies, based on available and well-referenced research
• guidance on how the Territorial Authority could best present the statistical information (using tables, graphs, and/or charts) so that it is easily understood.

/www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/9049/$File/pg-local-govt-resource-may09.pdf

National Breastfeeding Promotion Campaign Update

In this issue:

• National Breastfeeding Promotion Campaign – phase two
• Breastfeeding DVD
• Breastfeeding Project Team comings and goings
• Asian women encouraged to breastfeed for longer
• History of breastfeeding in New Zealand
• Breastfeeding sector workshop
• Some positive feedback!
• Breastfeeding gets big boost on the West Coast
• Breastfeeding support in Tairawhiti
• Via satellite – breastfeeding promotion linked through video conference
• Early campaign monitoring results

www.breastfeeding.org.nz/sites/feedingourfutures.org.nz/files/newsletter/2009_05/bsmcu006.html

Ministry of Health media releases

www.moh.govt.nz/media

OTHER INFORMATION

Statistics New Zealand - Let's talk about... Table Builder

Every year Statistics New Zealand surveys thousands of people and businesses. So what are they doing to make this data accessible to people online?

What is it? Table Builder is a web tool that enables you to build your own tables of data from datasets such as census, business statistics, household economic statistics, recorded crime statistics plus many more.

Why have it? Table Builder represents a commitment to getting statistics out into the community, so that more New Zealanders and more New Zealand businesses can make informed decisions to benefit us all.

How do I build the tables? Choose a dataset, then select the table with the relevant variables and start customising from within the Table Builder tool. A help section is available on the Table Builder homepage and it includes a series of video clips with step-by-step instructions.

Where do I find it? www.stats.govt.nz/tablebuilder

What if I still need help with Table Builder? Give our friendly Client Information Advisors a call toll-free on 0508 525 525 for assistance or help getting started.

Statistics New Zealand – helping New Zealanders understand their population and economic trends.

New University of Otago public health course: Public health law and public health ethics

This year the University of Otago Wellington, Department of Public Health, is offering a special topic: “Public health law and public health ethics” (PUBH 707) as a postgraduate paper in public health.

The course will run in the second semester of 2009: to start 13 July and finish 28 September.
Teaching days: Monday from 9.00 – 3.00pm

Overview of objective and content

This course will equip participants with an understanding of the framework and scope of public health law in New Zealand, as well as concepts of public health ethics, including Māori ethical perspectives. Teaching of this subject in 2009 will be timely given progress made on the Public Health Bill (representing the first major overhaul of public health legislation in New Zealand for half a century). This Bill is in its final parliamentary stages.

Particular topics will include the law and ethics relating to communicable disease, screening, environmental health, public health emergencies, tobacco, food and nutrition, illicit drugs, radiation safety and alcohol. Central themes will include the concept of risk in public health law and the impact of international law.

The course will be of interest to all health workers, public health practitioners and those interested in public health policy and research. In particular, knowledge of the framework and some elements of public health law in New Zealand is essential for health practitioners, public health physicians, and health promoters working or intended to work where public health services are provided, public health units, hospitals and district health boards. In addition, the course can be expected to be of interest to some policy staff of the Ministry of Health, employees of local authorities, as well as those lawyers keen on extending their skills in the health sector.

Student assessment:

Assessment will be fully internal, based on assignments and seminars.

For more information, contact Louise Delany: Louise.Delany@otago.ac.nz

Every child counts May newsletter

http://everychildcounts.org.nz/docs/NewsletterMay2009.pdf

2009 Every Child Counts Annual Awards

Every Child Counts is calling for nominations for their annual awards to be presented in September in Auckland this year. There are two awards- one for an institution that has made a significant difference to improve the status and wellbeing of children during 2008-09 and the other for an individual who has made a difference by an action or role that improves the status and wellbeing of children in 2008-09.

Previous recipients have been acclaimed for their achievements, with the 2007 individual winner, Beth Wood, being recognised in the 2009 New Years Honours list for her services to children. All nominees will receive acknowledgment through description the work they do for children in a special Conference publication.

Nominations will be accepted up to and including Friday July 18th 2009.
For enquiries contact Barbara Lambourn, UNICEF NZ, phone 04 8149388 or email Barbara@unicef.org.nz

download the nomination form- www.everychildcounts.org.nz/docs/ECC2009AwardNominationForm.pdf . Nomination forms can be sent to Every Child Counts 2009 Awards, PO Box 6434, Wellington 6141or email them to barbara@unicef.org.nz

Healthy, wealthy, and wise: socioeconomic status, poor health in childhood, and human capital development - Journal of Economic Literature

There are many possible pathways between parental education, income, and health, and between child health and education, but only some of them have been explored in the literature. This essay focuses on links between parental socioeconomic status (as measured by education, income, occupation, or in some cases area of residence) and child health, and between child health and adult education or income.

Make your web site press friendly so journalists cover your organisation

Web usability guru Nielsen's latest Alertbox post emphasizes the imperative of press area usability for journalists, finding that plenty of the web sites reviewed don't provide adequate info for media (traditional or "citizen journalists").

He cautions that poor site usability and missing information in online press areas can turn journalists away from covering your organisation or force them to get their information from third-party sources (definitely not your message and likely to be incorrect). A shabby online press area is a lost PR opportunity.

Once journalists get to your site (you have to make sure they can), they need access to:

• Easy-to-find online newsroom: Make sure you have a clean site with a clearly-labeled section called "Press," "Media" or "News," where journalists can get quick answers to their questions.
• Press contacts: Being able to contact a real human being is essential for journalists researching stories. Deadlines mean that information is needed within hours or minutes, so most people would be reluctant to use an email address or contact form with no guarantee of a speedy response.
• Basic facts: Reporters often need to confirm dates, spellings and more. To help reporters get that information quickly, make sure your sections are clearly labeled.
• Your organisation's perspective and actions on your issues: This is the stuff that differentiates your organisations from others and competitors. Make it easy-to-find, succinct and clear.
• Financials: A core credibility meter.
• Images to use in articles: Also, video and audio for online media. This is the stuff that enages readers which is a journalist's ultimate goal.

www.gettingattention.org/my_weblog/2009/01/make-your-web-site-press-friendly.html?utm_source=Not-For-Profit+News&utm_campaign=c66bb8c500-NFP+News+May09&utm_medium=email

Nonprofits and social networking

Most nonprofits are now dabbling in social networks, according to a new survey on the nonprofit industry’s use of social networking for marketing and fundraising from NTEN, Common Knowledge and ThePort Network.
www.nonprofitmarketingblog.com/site/most_nonprofits_are_now_at_least_dabbling_in_social_networking/?utm_source=Not-For-Profit+News&utm_campaign=c66bb8c500-NFP+News+May09&utm_medium=email

If you do not wish to receive the MoH-NGO email update any longer, please reply with unsubscribe as the subject.

The Budget

The Budget announcement was on Thursday 28 May – here are some health-related highlights…
The Government has announced an additional $3 billion investment in health priorities over the next four years – including $750 million in 2009/10.

Budget 2009 provides the extra money as part of the Government’s pre-election commitment to better, faster, more convenient health services for New Zealanders.

“Despite the worsening economic situation, the new government will protect the public health system as a top priority,” Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

“We have allocated over 40 per cent of all new government funding for Budget 2009 to health priorities.”

Workforce:

• Increasing the frontline health workforce is a key element for improving access and quality of health services. Budget 2009 funds a significant number of workforce initiatives including:
• 60 new medical training places in 2009/10, which is the first tranche of the Government’s intention to establish 200 new places annually – around $25 million has been allocated to Vote Education and Social Development
• 25 extra places for general practitioner training in 2009/10, increasing to 50 extra places per year - $17.5 million over four years
• Up to 800 additional health professionals over four years to increase services for New Zealanders needing elective surgery - $70 million over four years
• More training for health professionals in rural areas - $4 million over four years

DHBs:

• Just over $2.1 billion extra over the next four years will go directly to District Health Boards for services to their local populations. DHBs will be required to advance a number of initiatives from this funding:
• The first tranche of the Government’s intention to boost funding for subsidised medicines – $138.8 million to DHBs over four years. Adding $46.9 million for Herceptin and associated costs, this provides a total $185.7 million in new funding for subsidised medicines over four years
• Devolving some hospital services to primary care - $45.5 million over the next four years
• Improving quality and supervision in aged residential care facilities and respite care for those being cared for by others at home - $89.5 million over four years.

Maternity:

• To meet the increased maternity service needs, there is additional funding of $103.5 million over four years to support:
• Resources for increased birth rates - $40 million
• Longer stays in birthing facilities - $38.5 million
• Support services for parents - $14 million for a 24/7 Plunketline telephone advice service and other advisory and information services to support the Well Child Framework
• An extra visit to the GP or lead maternity carer in each trimester for mothers or babies at risk - $9.9 million
• Obstetrics retraining for GPs - $1.1 million

Other health highlights in Budget 2009 include:

• $60 million over four years for hospice and palliative care
• $100 million over four years as a contribution to Energy for the New Zealand Insulation Fund.
• $37.2 million over four years to help to securely care and rehabilitate offenders with an intellectual disability outside of the criminal justice system
• $245 million over four years into capital infrastructure
• $15.3 million over two years starting in 2011/12 into voluntary bonding for hard to staff health professions and locations.

www.national.org.nz/PolicyAreas.aspx?S=217
www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/budget-09/2452607/Budget-at-a-glance