Ministry of Health
New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation Work Plan. 1 July 2005 – 30 June 2006
Introduction
The Ministry of Health aims to ensure the health and disability system works for New Zealanders. It is the Government’s primary advisor on health policy and disability support services and is responsible for:
- policy advice on improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities, and increasing participation
- acting as the Minister’s agent
- monitoring the performance of District Health Boards (DHBs) and other health sector Crown entities
- implementing, administering and enforcing relevant legislation and regulations
- providing health information and processing payments
- facilitating collaboration and co-ordination within and across sectors
- providing nationwide planning and maintenance of service frameworks
- planning and funding public health, disability support services for people with long-term disabilities and other service areas that are retained centrally.
As at 30 June 2004, the total number of employees (ongoing and fixed term) in the core Ministry was 599.09 full-time equivalents. These employees are employed within the Ministry’s eight Directorates:
- Corporate and Information Directorate
- Clinical Services Directorate
- DHB Funding and Performance Directorate
- Disability Services Directorate
- Māori Health Directorate
- Mental Health Directorate
- Public Health Directorate
- Sector Policy Directorate.
There are also five business units in the Ministry of Health that employ 463.76 staff.
This is the Ministry’s fifth NZDS Implementation Plan and includes initiatives from across the Ministry. A number of the projects are building on progress from previous years’ plans.
Projects focused on improving direct service provision and policy
1. Implementation of the Autism Spectrum Disorder work programme
Desired Outcome
Improved diagnosis and treatment of children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families and whānau.
Description
Currently, services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families and whānau are insufficient and lack co-ordination across agencies and the sector.
During 2004/05 the Autism Spectrum Disorder cross-sector advisory group and the cross-government officials group were established, and the ASD Best Practice Guidelines were started.
The ASD Best Practice guidelines’ work programme is divided into three streams of work. The Paediatric Society leads the assessment and diagnostic work stream, the Ministry of Education (Group Special Education) leads the education work stream, and the Ministry of Health (Disability Services Directorate) leads the support and transition work stream.
During 2005/06 the Autism Spectrum Disorder Best Practice Guidelines will be completed, and a cross-agency service development and funding plan will be developed.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The Autism Spectrum Disorder Best Practice Guidelines completed by 30 December 2005.
The service development and funding plan completed by 30 June 2006.
Analysis of the impact of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Best Practice Guidelines completed by 30 June 2006.
Report to Minister by 30 June 2006.
Two Autism Spectrum Disorder demonstration pilots will be completed in the Auckland region by 31 July 2006.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Objective 7: Create long-term support systems centred on the individual (Actions 7.1, 7.2, 7.7, 7.8).
Objective 13: Enable disabled children and youth to lead full and active lives (Actions 13.1 – 13.10).
2. Enabling Kimberley Centre Residents to Live in the Community
Desired Outcome
People currently living at the Kimberley Centre in Levin will exit from life in an institution to live in the community. Where they live, who they live with, and what type of community setting they move to, will be their choice.
Description
The Kimberley Project is designed to relocate people with intellectual disabilities currently living at Kimberley into Community Residential Services.
There are numerous community-based services involved in the support of people leaving Kimberley to ensure their needs are fully met in the community.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
All Kimberley residents will have left the Kimberley Centre by 31 December 2006.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Objective 7: Create long-term support systems centred on the individual.
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people.
3. Monitoring Primary Health Organisations’ responsiveness to deinstitutionalised Kimberley Centre residents
Desired Outcome
Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) have the knowledge and capacity to ensure ex-Kimberley Centre residents receive comprehensive and quality primary health care services commensurate with their health needs.
Description
The primary health needs of the majority of Kimberley residents who will exit from life in an institution to live in the community, are expected to be served by two PHOs. Both PHOs are relatively newly established and are therefore still coming to grips with the changes required by the Primary Health Care Strategy.
Further, residents exiting the Kimberley Centre are likely to have specialised health and social needs that the GP practices comprising the PHOs may have little experience of. Consequently, the PHOs will need to develop their disability knowledge and capability in order to be responsive to this group’s needs. PHOs will also need to collaborate effectively with other providers of specialist services to ensure this group’s specialist needs are being met.
The Ministry will monitor the PHOs’ progress in developing capability and capacity to be effective primary health care providers to ex-Kimberley residents. This will include liaising with the Kimberley deinstitutionalisation project team to support their engagement with the PHOs, liaising with Midcentral DHB, and with the PHOs.
Measures and Timeframes
Monthly progress reports provided to the Deputy Director-General, Clinical Services.
Quarterly NZDS reports to the Ministry’s Executive Team.
Completion date 30 June 2006.
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
Objective 7: Create long-term support systems centred on the individual.
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people.
4. Intersectoral Needs Assessment and Service Co- ordination Collaboration Project: Improving Intra and Intersectoral Collaboration
Desired Outcome
Improved collaborative arrangements within and between organisations with an interest in the needs assessment and service co-ordination process.
Improved transitions between agencies and services experienced by disabled people, and reduced duplication of procedures.
Advice to the Government on how these collaborative arrangements could be achieved nationally.
Description
The project involves the development and implementation of three trials of innovative needs assessment and service co-ordination collaboration arrangements, processes and services.
Whilst this project is not in direct response to the National Health Committee’s (NHC’s) Report, An Ordinary Life (the project began in 2002, the report was released in September 2003), the trials are likely to begin to address some of the issues that the NHC’s report refer to. Such issues are likely to be considered during the evaluation of the trials, and in the final report.
The project is being led by the Disability Services Directorate, in partnership with a range of government agencies. The trials have been established in collaboration with non-government, community and support agencies, as well as disabled people and their families and whānau.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The trials will end 30 September 2005
Final evaluation report developed by 28 October 2005.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Objective 7: Create long term support systems centred on the individual (Actions 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.5, 7.7, 7.8).
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people
(Action 8.2).
Objective 11: Promote participation of Māori.
Objective 12: Promote participation of disabled Pacific peoples.
Objective 15: Value families, whānau and people providing ongoing support (Actions 15.1,15.2).
5. Improving Collaboration Between the Ministry and CYF: A Review of the Memorandum of Understanding and Policy Settings
Desired Outcome
Disabled children and young people and their families and whānau are well supported by services provided by the Ministry of Health (Disability Services Directorate), Child Youth and Family (CYF) and the Ministry of Education.
Description
This is a joint project between the Ministry of Health’s Disability Services Directorate (DSD) and CYF Services, and will include some input from the Ministry of Education.
Work will include:
- a review and analysis of the current policy and legislative frameworks to determine how they impact on the services delivered to disabled children, their families and whānau.
- a review of the Memorandum of Understanding between CYF and DSD
- Recommendations for a revised Memorandum that clearly outlines each agency’s responsibilities and promotes collaboration to meet the needs of disabled children and their families and whānau
- Development of staff guidelines for the implementation of the revised Memorandum
- Development of a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness of the Memorandum, identify any significant barriers to success, and collect data and information on the population group included within the Memorandum.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
- Completion of legislative/policy component of this project by 31 December 2005.
- Completion of revised Memorandum of Understanding by 31 December 2005.
- Development of framework for the on-going monitoring and evaluation of the revised Memorandum by 31 December 2005.
- Development of implementation plan, including staff guidelines by 31 December 2005.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Objective 2: Provide the best education for disabled people (Action 2.1).
Objective 6: Foster an aware and responsive public service (Action 6.4).
Objective 7: Create long-term support systems centred on the individual (Actions 7.6, 7.9).
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people (Action 8.4).
Objective 10: Collect and use relevant information about disabled people and disability issues (Actions 10.2, 10.3).
6. Disability Education and Training with Government Sector Organisations
Desired Outcome
Government agencies better understand the needs of disabled people (including people with experience of mental illness).
Government agencies are better able to respond to the needs of disabled people when they employ, provide a service to, or work on policy issues that impact on the lives of disabled people.
escription
The Like Minds, Like Mine project, in partnership with the Office for Disability Issues, will develop disability education and training approaches for government agencies. Critical to the success of this work will be the leadership of disabled people in the design and delivery of the education and training.
Measures and Timeframes
Design a disability education and training approach (including mental health issues), and deliver this to at least two Government Sector organisations by June 2006.
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
Objective 5: Foster leadership by disabled people
Objective 6: Foster an aware and responsive public service.
7. Evaluation Of Ageing In Place Initiatives
Desired Outcome
District health boards’ (DHBs’) services are effective in enabling older people with chronic health conditions or disabilities to remain at home with a good quality of life.
Description
Ageing in Place initiatives are individual support packages that enable older people to remain in their community and ‘age in place’ as an alternative to residential care. Ageing in Place initiatives in Waikato, Hutt Valley and Canterbury DHBs are being evaluated to both assess their effectiveness and to develop an evaluation framework and tool for assessing the effectiveness of any Ageing in Place Initiative. The findings will inform DHB service planning.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The evaluation framework will be trialled in DHBs over 2005/06, with a proposed model in place by June 2006.
First year report on an evaluation of ageing in place initiatives is due 31 July 2006.
A final model will be completed by June 2007.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Objective 7: Create long-term support systems centred on the individual (Actions 7.2, 7.3, 7.6).
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people.
8. Engagement with Ministry of Social Development regarding benefit reforms
Desired Outcome
The health needs of disabled people are fully considered in the development of policy relating to benefit reform.
Description
The Ministry of Social Development is undertaking significant work in the area of benefit reform, including the development of a Single Core Benefit. This work has implications for the health of individuals and for the health system, and significant implications for disabled people, including work around the establishment of an Integrated Disability Payment.
The Ministry of Health is actively engaging with the Ministry of Social Development regarding this work.
Measures and Timeframes
The timeline for the development of the Single Core Benefit and new service model is (set by the Ministry of Social Development):
- July 2005 – Cabinet report back – initial Single Core Benefit policy decisions
- December 2005 – Cabinet report back – further decisions on the Single Core Benefit and new service model
- 2006 – roll out of new service model
- 2006 – legislation to provide for the Single Core Benefit
- 2007/2008 – implementation of Single Core Benefit.
Other work is ongoing.
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
Objective 4: Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people (Action 4.5, 4.16).
Objective 7: Create long-term support systems centred on the individual (Action 7.1).
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people (Action 8.4).
9. Individualised Funding for Younger People with High or Very High and Complex Needs
Desired Outcome
Demand from disabled people for an Individualised Funding option to be available is met.
Disabled people are empowered to achieve greater independence, through control over personal aspects of their lives.
Description
Individualised Funding is an administrative arrangement made available to some disabled people that will enable them to hold, manage or govern their own support budget in a way that they believe meets their needs.
The Individualised Funding programme began 1 February 2005, and is being introduced and managed in a phased way by an Individualised Funding Agency, over two years.
For the first two years, the Individualised Funding service will concentrate on disabled people with long-term disabilities who are assessed as having complex needs, that is high or very high needs. The scheme can be accessed by people eligible for disability support services funded by the Ministry.
A Ministry publication “Individualised Funding: Guidance and Good Practice” is available on the Ministry’s website and provides full information on the scheme (www.moh.govt.nz).
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The scheme is gradually being implemented over two years, in six-month phases, from 1 February 2005:
- February – July 2005 Taranaki/Wanganui
- August 2005 – January 2006 Hamilton
- February – July 2006 Auckland
- August 2006 – February 2007 South Island
Wellington, Hawkes Bay and Bay of Plenty will be rolled out in the next contract.
The Individualised Funding Agency will report quarterly to the Ministry on access to the service (who and where).
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Objective 5: Foster leadership by disabled people (Actions 5.1).
Objective 7: Create long term support systems centred on the individual (Action 7.2).
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people.
10. Improving Disabled Women’s Access to Breast Screening Services
Desired Outcome
Disabled women will be able to use appropriate breast screening and assessment services within their region.
Description
BreastScreen Aotearoa, the national breast screening programme, aims to ensure that all screening and assessment services it provides are both proactive and responsive to disabled women, and that their facilities are physically accessible.
The BreastScreen Aotearoa National Policy and Quality Standards (2004) determine the standard of services for all women, including those with disabilities accessing the programme. Routine Compliance Audits of Lead Providers will identify compliance against the National Policy and Quality Standards.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The second round of Lead Provider Audits will be completed by June 2006.
During the interim, six monthly site visits of all BreastScreen Aotearoa Lead Providers will be undertaken by BreastScreen Aotearoa to ensure ongoing surveillance and monitoring of these Standards.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Objective 2: Ensure rights for disabled people.
Objective 6: Foster an aware and responsive public service.
Objective 11: Promote the participation of disabled Māori.
Objective 12: Promote the participation of disabled Pacific peoples.
Objective 14: Promote participation of disabled women in order to improve their quality of life.
11. Improving Disabled Women’s Access to Cervical Screening Services
Desired Outcome
Disabled women will be able to access appropriate cervical screening services within their region.
Description
The National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) aims to ensure that all providers are proactive and responsive to disabled women in relation to the cervical screening services that they provide.
The NCSP Operational Policy and Quality Standards (October 2000) define the policies and quality standards required for services for all women, including those with disabilities, from recruitment through to treatment. Routine Provider Compliance Audits will identify compliance against the Operational Policy and Quality Standards.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
Audits will commence during 2005/06.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Objective 2: Ensure rights for disabled people
Objective 6: Foster an aware and responsive public service
Objective 11: Promote the participation of disabled Māori
Objective 12: Promote the participation of disabled Pacific peoples
Objective 14: Promote participation of disabled women in order to improve their quality of life
12. Ensuring DHBs and other non-DHB Crown Entities are Aware and Responsive to Disabled People
Desired Outcome
Health and disability support services funded by the Ministry, district health boards (DHBs) and other non-DHB Crown entities are responsive to the needs of disabled people and their services are accessible.
Increased awareness of the NZ Disability Strategy’s objectives and actions to implement the Strategy.
Description
The Ministry aims to ensure that DHBs, non-DHB Crown entities and the holders of national contracts administered by the DHB Funding and Performance Directorate (DHB F&P) are aware and responsive to disabled people and their needs, and that these requirements are specified in DHB and Crown entity accountability documents.
Measures and Timeframes
2005/06 DHB accountability documents will indicate how the organisation is implementing the NZ Disability Strategy.
Guidelines for preparing DHB accountability documents for 2006/07 will require DHBs to indicate how they are implementing the NZ Disability Strategy.
The Ministry will actively work with and encourage the non-DHB Crown entities to outline, in their 2006/07 accountability documents, how the organisation is implementing the NZ Disability Strategy.
National contracts administered by DHB F&P will require the provision of services to be consistent with the NZ Disability Strategy.
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
Due to the diversity of the business of non-DHB Crown entities a number of objectives may be met through this initiative, but the key ones are:
Objective 6: Foster an aware and responsive public service (Actions 6.3, 6.5, 6.6).
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people (Action 8.4).
13. Building Strategic Relationships with Health and Disability Non-Government Organisations
Desired Outcome
Disability Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), which represent the views of particular groups of disabled people, have improved participation in developing and evaluating policy.
Description
The Ministry has established a strategic level relationship with Health and Disability NGOs.1 This relationship is managed through a dedicated NGO desk in the DHB Funding and Performance Directorate.
Ministry of Health/NGO forums are held every six months to discuss key issues for the NGO sector. The forums are also the opportunity for the NGO sector to set an ‘agenda’ of work for the NGO Working Group (selected annually by the forum) and Ministry of Health to jointly progress between meetings on behalf of the forum.
The Ministry web site (www.moh.govt.nz) contains specific pages for the NGO sector.
Measures and Timeframes
A Ministry/NGO forum will be held every six months.
Health and Disability NGOs will receive regular updates on relevant Ministry activities, on issues of interest to the sector and training opportunities.
The Ministry web site’s NGO sector pages will be regularly updated in 2005/06.
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
Due to the diversity of the business of health and disability NGOs a number of objectives may be met through this initiative, but the key ones are:
Objective 5: Foster leadership by disabled people (5.1, 5.6).
Objective 6: Foster an aware and responsive public service (6.3, 6.4).
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people (8.4).
Objective 11: Promote participation of disabled Māori (11.4).
14. The New Zealand Sign Language Bill: The development of the health sector plan on the removal of language barriers to Deaf people
Desired Outcome
Language barriers to Deaf people accessing health and disability support services and information are removed.
Description
In October 2003 Cabinet directed the establishment of two working groups to prepare for the enactment of the New Zealand Sign Language Bill. One of these working groups is an interdepartmental working group to address the language barriers that prevent Deaf people from participating in society through the development of detailed sector plans. It is expected that the plans will include specific outcome targets and actions to address language barriers experienced by Deaf people in education, health, employment and public broadcasting.
In order to respond to this requirement, the Ministry has established an internal Working Group made up of representatives from across the Ministry, and has developed a draft health sector plan.
Measures and Timeframes
The Ministry will finalise its health sector plan during 2005/06.
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
Objective 6: Foster and aware and responsive public service (Actions 6.3, 6.4, 6.5)
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people (Action 8.4)
15. Long-term sustainability of funding for health of older people and disability support services
Desired Outcome
An understanding of the pressures on the funding of the health of older people and disability support services sector.
Solutions that will ensure the sustainability of the sector into the future.
Description
A work programme has been approved by Cabinet to: investigate the extent to which the current funding, policy and regulation of residential care services for older people is exacerbating the pressures in the sector; develop options for meeting future demand through publicly funded services; and assess the implications for funding (and the services to be purchased) under each option.
In conjunction with the work outlined above this project will: determine what government actions may be needed to facilitate the development of a sustainable home support sector; and achieve a shift over time in the overall balance of the locus of care from institutional to home and community settings.
Measures and Timeframes
The timeline for reporting to Cabinet on both these pieces of work is November 2005.
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
Objective 7: Create long-term support systems centred on the individual (Action 7.4, 7.7, 7.8)
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people (Action 8.1, 8.4).
Objective 10: Collect and use relevant information about disabled people and disability issues (Action 10.3).
Objective 15: Value families, whānau and people providing ongoing support (Action 15.7).
16. Action Plan to implement ‘Improving Mental Health: The Second National Mental Health and Addiction Strategic Plan 2005 – 2015’
Desired Outcome
Improved access and quality services for all who experience mental illness, including people with specific disabilities.
Description
The development of ‘Improving Mental Health: The Second National Mental Health and Addiction Strategic Plan’ builds on the current national mental health strategy contained in Looking Forward (1994) that set strategic directions for the mental health sector, and Moving Forward (1997), which set objectives and actions to 2005.
The second plan, Improving Mental Health, is based on an outcomes framework that articulates the results that Government wants funders and providers to pursue, and gives clear signals to service users about what they can expect from publicly-funded services. The plan also sets out 10 leading challenges that need to be addressed in order for Government outcomes to be achieved, including continuing to build quality mental health services, service responsiveness, workforce and information systems development and the importance of cross-agency working.
The Action Plan will specify the actions needed to tackle the leading challenges identified in Improving Mental Health, and will also specify the stakeholders responsible for undertaking the actions and the timeframe in which the actions will need to occur.
Measures and Timeframes
The Action Plan will be reported to Cabinet in March 2006.
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
Objective 7: Create long-term support systems centred on the individual.
Improved information about disabled people and their needs
17. National Mental Health Epidemiology Study
Desired Outcome
An epidemiological profile of mental illness/health in New Zealand.
An understanding of how mental health and substance abuse problems limit people’s activities.
An understanding of how many people experience ill health but do not seek treatment and/or how many people experience illness from which they recover without help.
Description
The National Mental Health Epidemiology Study aims to measure the prevalence of mental illness within New Zealand. It will also help to describe how mental health problems and substance abuse limit people’s activities, patterns of mental health service use, including barriers to service users, and identify risk factors for mental health and substance use problems.
This survey is linked to research that has been done in many other countries in the world in collaboration with the World Health Organisation.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
An interim report with initial findings will become available to the Ministry by December 2005.
The final report is due in June 2006.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Objective 10: Collect and use relevant information about disabled people and disability issues (Actions 10.2, 10.3, 10.4).
18. Health and Independence Report 2005: How the health and disability support system is delivering improved outcomes
Desired Outcome
The Health and Independence Report is published annually and draws together a considerable array of data to report on the health and independence of New Zealanders. In particular, it reports on the contribution of health and disability support services to health and independence outcomes, and includes activities that span the health and disability support sector.
Description
Expanded knowledge of the contribution of the health and disability support sector to health and independence outcomes, to help guide future policy and service directions.
Measures and Timeframes
Work is progressing to publish the report by October 2005, as part of a merged report that combines with the Ministry's Annual Report
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
Objective 6: Foster an aware and responsive public service (Actions 6.3, 6.4).
Objective 10: Collect and use relevant information about disabled people and disability issues (Actions 10.3, 10.5).
19. Development of a Health of Older People Information Strategic Plan with a focus on improving information systems for Disability Support Services data
Desired Outcome
Relevant data is collected about older people’s health and disability status and their use of disability support services to enable district health board (DHBs) funders and planners, the Ministry and service providers to better understand current service provision and plan for ongoing service development.
Description
Development of a Health of Older People Information Strategic Plan that will identify information needs and gaps, and set out a programme of work to develop, amongst other things, a Health of Older People National Data Collection using data from existing and proposed information systems. A key component of this work will be developing disability support service information systems to provide the information needed for policy development and to plan and monitor service delivery.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The timeframe for implementation will be determined by the Strategic Plan, which will be finalised by the end of June 2005, and partly by the implementation business case, which will be developed by March 2006.
Action points from the Information System Strategic Plan for Older People will be implemented according to priority from July 2005.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
NZDS: Objective 10: Collect and use relevant information about disabled people and disability issues (Action10.3).
Health of Older People Strategy: Action 2.3: The Ministry, in collaboration with DHBs, will establish a process for collecting reliable data to model current and projected demand for services.
20. Evaluation of the feasibility of introducing a new national assessment tool for older people
Desired Outcome
An assessment of the feasibility of introducing a standardised national assessment tool that generates nationally consistent information, assists care planning and management and supports the development of an integrated continuum of care for older people.
Description
A standardised assessment tool is needed to generate consistent information on older people’s health and disability status and the services they are referred to. Consistent assessment information is a key component in developing an integrated health information system to support an integrated continuum of care.
During 2004/05, some district health boards (DHBs) began piloting the InterRAI suite of assessment tools. The Ministry of Health is funding an evaluation of the pilots. The evaluation will look at how effective the InterRAI tools are in meeting New Zealand’s requirements and, if appropriate, develop a model for the cost-effective implementation of InterRAI by other DHBs.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The evaluation project is being developed by negotiation between the evaluation team, the Ministry, and DHBs over June and July 2005, and timeframes will be dependent on this process.
The project will take at least 2 years to complete.
Links to strategy Objective and Action
Objective 7: Create long-term support systems centred on the individual (Actions 7.1, 7.3 and 7.6).
21. Development of a policy tool to identify the impact of government and sector activities on Whānau Ora
Desired Outcome
The development of a policy tool that identifies the impact of government and sector activities on whānau ora.
Description
Whānau ora is supporting Māori families to achieve their maximum health and well-being (He Korowai Oranga – Māori Health Strategy, November 2002).
This project will develop a tool or formal process that aims to predict the potential effects of policies on the health of the Māori population, with a particular focus on whānau ora. This tool will be forward looking, rather than retrospective.
Measures and Timeframes
Draft policy tool developed by July 2005.
Focused consultation on draft policy tool completed by August 2005.
Policy tool completed December 2005.
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
Whakatātaka – Māori Health Action Plan 2002-2005
Milestone 1.1.1iv - Te Ara Tuatahi – Development of whānau, hapu, iwi and Māori communities.
NZDS:
Objective 10: Promote and use relevant information about disabled people and disability issues.
Objective 11: Promote participation of disabled Māori (Action 11.3).
22. Māori consumers use and experience of health and disability services research project
Desired Outcome
The information from the project will help to achieve whānau ora - more effective service delivery for Māori and improved health and disability outcomes for whānau.
Description
This three-year research project aims to provide information about the use and experience of Māori when accessing health and disability services.
The results of the research will be disseminated to GPs, health and disability providers and consumers to contribute to more effective service delivery for Māori and improved health and disability outcomes.
Māori disabled are involved at a governance level of the research, both on the funders’ steering committee and the researchers’ consumer advisory committee. Māori disabled are also participants in the research.
Measures and Timeframes
The research is due for completion by 31 December 2005.
The research findings will be presented at a Māori health researchers’ hui on whānau ora, and internally to the Ministry in 2006.
The research is also likely to be published upon completion.
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
He Korowai Oranga
Pathway 3, Effective health and disability services
Whakatātaka – Māori Health Action Plan
Milestone 3.3.2.ii
NZDS:
Objective 6: Foster an aware and responsive public service (Action 6.4).
Objective 7: Create long-term support systems centered on the individual (Action 7.8).
Objective 11: Promote participation of disabled Māori.
Internally focused work aiming at improving disability responsiveness within the Ministry
23. Addressing disability awareness and accessibility
Desired Outcome
The Ministry is responsive to the needs of disabled people, including staff and members of the public.
The Ministry’s workplace and public information is accessible to disabled people.
A disability-friendly work environment.
Description
The Ministry will undertake a number of activities that will help to raise awareness of disability issues and ensure that the Ministry’s workplace and information is accessible to disabled people. The Ministry will:
- Ensure access to Ministry buildings for all disabled people
- Ensure its website(s) are accessible and that published documents are produced with an awareness of the needs of disabled people
- Encourage the employment of disabled people through an equitable process of advertising and selection
- Undertake disability awareness training as part of the Ministry’s Core and Orientation Training Programme
- Maintain and update a database for managers on employing disabled staff.
Measures and Timeframes
Accessibility
Work with the developer and owner of the new Wellington premises at 1-3 The Terrace (planned for 2006) to ensure appropriate access is provided in the new base building design. This work will be completed by 31 December 2005.
Ensure that the Ministry’s internal layout at 1-3 The Terrace provides access to all facilities for disabled people.
The Ministry’s website will be tested to ensure that it meets disabled people’s requirements. Measurement will be against compliance with Web Accessibility Initiatives Levels 1,2 & 3, with the intention that the Ministry will meet all the mandatory compliance (including accessibility) requirements by 1 January 2006.
Website audits against the mandatory requirements are proposed as pre-requisite work to a larger web upgrade project.
Documents will be in HTML or word format to enable greater accessibility, and PDF attachments will meet the Adobe accessibility guidelines.
All key Ministry documents will be produced in a range of accessible formats (plain language, larger print, accessible website information, etc).
Human Reources and recruitment processes are responsive to the needs of disabled people, including advertising vacancies on-line and applications for vacancies accepted via email.
Awareness
Roll out of the module, ‘Working in the Health Context’, which includes disability awareness training, will be rolled out as part of the Ministry’s in-house programme.
Review and update the database for managers on employing disabled staff through user feedback and other methods such as the in-house disability training.
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
Objective 4: Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people (Actions 4.9, 4.11).
Objective 6: Foster an aware and responsive public service (Action 6.2).
1. For the purpose of this relationship, NGOs refer to ‘independent community and iwi/Māori organisations operating on a not-for-profit basis, which bring a value to society which is distinct from both Government and the market’.