Te Whatu Ora

Te Whatu Ora, the new name for the New Zealand health system, is designed to create a more integrated and equitable system that better meets the needs of all New Zealanders. The name, which means "the healthy wave," reflects the vision of a health system that is constantly moving forward, improving, and adapting to meet the needs of the people it serves.

The new name is just one part of a broader transformation of the health system that is currently underway. The government is investing heavily in new initiatives to improve access to care, reduce costs, and improve the quality of care. These initiatives include:

• Investing in new primary care services, such as after-hours clinics and urgent care centers
• Expanding access to mental health and addiction services
• Reducing the cost of prescription drugs
• Investing in new technology to improve the efficiency and quality of care

The transformation of the health system is a complex and challenging task, but it is essential to ensure that all New Zealanders have access to the high-quality health care they need. Te Whatu Ora is a symbol of the government's commitment to this goal.

The challenges facing the health system

The New Zealand health system faces a number of challenges, including:

• An aging population: The number of New Zealanders over the age of 65 is expected to increase from 15% to 25% by 2038. This will put a strain on the health system, as older people are more likely to have chronic health conditions.
• Rising costs: The cost of health care is rising faster than inflation. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing cost of new drugs and technologies, and the aging population.
• Unequal access to care: Māori and Pacific peoples are less likely to have access to health care than other New Zealanders. This is due to a number of factors, including socioeconomic disadvantage, discrimination, and cultural barriers.

The government's plan to transform the health system

The government is committed to transforming the health system to meet the challenges of the future. The government's plan includes:

• Investing in primary care: The government is investing in new primary care services, such as after-hours clinics and urgent care centers. This will make it easier for people to access care when they need it, and will reduce the pressure on hospitals.
• Expanding access to mental health and addiction services: The government is expanding access to mental health and addiction services. This will help to reduce the stigma associated with these conditions, and will make it easier for people to get the help they need.
• Reducing the cost of prescription drugs: The government is reducing the cost of prescription drugs. This will make it easier for people to afford the medications they need.
• Investing in new technology: The government is investing in new technology to improve the efficiency and quality of care. This includes new technologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and to make it easier for patients to access their health records.

The transformation of the health system is a complex and challenging task, but it is essential to ensure that all New Zealanders have access to the high-quality health care they need. Te Whatu Ora is a symbol of the government's commitment to this goal.

What you can do to help

There are a number of things you can do to help transform the health system, including:

• Talk to your doctor about your health: The best way to prevent and manage health problems is to talk to your doctor regularly about your health. This will help you to stay healthy and avoid unnecessary medical expenses.
• Get vaccinated: Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent disease. Make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations.
• Eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise: A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you to stay healthy and reduce your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
• Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death in New Zealand. Quitting smoking can improve your health and save you money.
• Be kind to yourself and others: Stress can take a toll on your health. Make sure you take time for yourself to relax and de-stress. Be kind to yourself and others, and seek help if you are struggling.

By taking these steps, you can help to create a healthier future for yourself and for all New Zealanders.

Te Whatu Ora is a symbol of hope and change. It is a reminder that we can all work together to create a better health system for all New Zealanders.