East Auckland patients to benefit from healthcare digitisation

Kiwis across the country will no longer have to repeat their medical history at every appointment thanks to innovative work implemented by Health Minister and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown.

The change is part of a 10-year-old plan to bring New Zealand’s health system into the digital age, Brown says.

“Our health system is being held back by outdated, disconnected technology.

“Right now, 65 per cent of hospitals still use paper-based notes, and critical information doesn’t 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’s the result of years of underinvestment and quick fixes instead of proper planning.

“To address this, we’re releasing New Zealand’s first Health Digital Investment Plan – a 10-year roadmap to modernise healthcare, with investments in technologies that will make a real difference for patients right now.”

Brown says the plan’s five core objectives are to improve outcomes for patients and families, support clinicians, stabilise critical infrastructure, build foundations for innovation, and enable data-driven decision-making.

Investments will be made in a single Electronic Medical Record system across the health sector, enabling medical information to flow seamlessly and securely between GPs, specialists, and hospitals.

The plan will also fund remote patient monitoring to support earlier discharge, a national radiology system to prioritise urgent cases, and stronger cybersecurity to protect patient information, Brown says.

“Imagine getting your cancer diagnosis and having your entire treatment journey co-ordinated through connected systems.

“No repeated tests, no lost referrals, no wondering what happens next. That’s what modern digital healthcare looks like.

“Modernising a system this complex takes time. The 10-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 the foundation for the next, and Health New Zealand is already taking action Kiwis will see in the next few years.”