The College, the peak body for emergency medicine in Aotearoa, was not consulted by the National Party in relation to this pledge.
Healthcare system targets are already widely used across New Zealand. Some targets – particularly ACEM’s Hospital Access Targets (HAT), introduced in 2020 – are effective tools that can encourage, direct and measure improvements in patient care.
However, to reduce the pressures in emergency departments (EDs) that lead to overly long waits for care, staff shortages and other issues, and rising levels of violence, it is vital targets are concurrently implemented with a suite of research-informed solutions.
Last week, ACEM released five solutions for the crisis in EDs, and encouraged all political parties to commit to them to get more patients the care they need, faster.
ACEM representatives work with hospitals, government, and Te Whatu Ora to advise on how HAT can be used effectively, alongside a range of solutions, to improve patient care.
ACEM extends this opportunity to all political parties contesting the 2023 election.
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.nz
Media Contact:
Melissa Howard [email protected] + 61 427 621 857