A new web-based monitoring tool which seeks to not only speed up Maori health gains but make Maori health information more visible and accessible has been launched.
The Maori Health Plan Monitoring Tool was officially launched at Tauranga's ASB Arena this week before a 150-strong gathering including Maori health providers, experts and leaders, nationwide DHB representatives, and Ministry of Health representatives.
Dr George Gray speaks during the launch of the Maori Health Plan Monitoring Tool. Photo: Supplied.
The web-based monitoring tool allows comparisons of the performances of all 20 DHBs on 16 Maori health indicators.
It also gives information on performance trends, disparities between Maori and non-Maori, as well as links to seminars on ‘best practice' by the nation's top performers.
The information is updated every 24 hours with the latest Ministry of Health data.
Key note speaker at the launch, Maori Party president and Ngati Whatua chair Naida Glavish, commends the DHBs for holding themselves up to public scrutiny for the greater good of Maori health improvement.
Bay of Plenty District Health Board acting chief executive Pete Chandler says the monitoring tool graphically demonstrated the disparity between Maori and non-Maori health outcomes in a way which hasn't been done before.
He says the tool has enjoyed universal support from national DHB chief executives and calls for that to be translated into a lasting and tangible change for Maori.
The monitoring tool is the brainchild of BOPDHB doctor George Gray says Maori General Managers Group Tumu Whakarae chairman Riki Nia Nia.
Riki adds the tool is simply an ‘enabler' though and what really counts is the action taken on the health issues it reveals.
Presenting at the launch, George says bringing the monitoring tool to fruition has been a team effort. He says its intent is to make Maori health information more visible and accessible and to increase accountability.
'There are multiple examples of Maori having poorer health system experiences and that flows on to poorer outcomes and poorer life expectancy. To change that requires ongoing performance improvement,” says George.
'This tool will give transparency to performance. DHBs can see whether the initiatives they are using against a certain indicator are working and if not they can try others.”
The development of the Maori Health Plan Monitoring Tool has been sponsored by Tumu Whakarae and funded by the Bay of Plenty, Capital & Coast, Hawke's Bay and Waitemata DHBs.
The Maori Health Plan Monitoring Tool is available at www.trendly.co.nz
6 comments
I applaude the initiative ....
Posted on 12-06-2015 20:34 | By Murray.Guy
.... BUT, I just wish we could set out to improve outcomes so desperately needed in a way that doesn't have the 'maori specific branding' and attention. Seems to me that Maori are over represented in regards negative life impacts and influences, BUT they are do not have exclusivity. Many from all walks of life, ethnicities, share poorer health outcomes and I don't believe it helps anyone to constantly reinforce this negativity. I look forward to the day when we stop focusing on a culture and focus on the need. I applaud the initiative BUT despair at the constant 'maori' focus which disenfranchises and divides our community needlessly.
Well said Murray Guy
Posted on 13-06-2015 08:35 | By Fonzie
Separatism is a health issue in itself When it comes to health there is only one race ,the human race and the reasons for poor health apply equally Separatism wastes resources that would be better employed on health of all the community
health
Posted on 13-06-2015 10:01 | By dumbkof2
What about a pakeha health gain or would that be racist.
Yes, Murray is right, don't focus on culture
Posted on 13-06-2015 12:23 | By Phailed1
But what about the BOP District Health Board? I never hear anything from our elected health board members, not a thing. Do they keep their seats warm until the election comes around? Hold your elected health board members accountable for political correctness. Ask them to speak up against the PC stuff and have one goal, to improve the health of all.
Maori specific Murray,
Posted on 13-06-2015 13:05 | By robin bell
is due to the indisputable FACT that Maori health in many areas falls well below that of non Maori.There are many reasons that include the negative impact of poverty,that cannot be reversed in one generation,the impact of rapid colonization and the the diseases it bought.Maori specific is NOT a branding Murray, it is a fact of life in N.Z. That Maori are pro-active in redressing the problems should be applauded not condemned. Robin Bell.
more racism
Posted on 13-06-2015 21:59 | By Captain Sensible
All assistance should be based on NEED, not race. Otherwise automatically, non-maori become victims of oppression and racism.
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