Meeting with the Minister of Health 2025

On June 10, NZSA representatives – President Dr Morgan Edwards, Executive Committee members Dr Renee Franklin and Dr James McAlpine, and CEO Kylie McQuellin – met with the Minister of Health, Hon Simeon Brown.

It was a valuable discussion and an opportunity to demonstrate anaesthetists’ vital role in providing safe and timely care for patients.

The group shared member examples to illustrate the inconsistencies in outsourcing practices across the motu, particularly regarding patient selection and preoperative assessment pathways. We recommended improvements in these areas, highlighted the benefits of inter-regional collaboration, and emphasised the importance of regional flexibility. By highlighting the role of anaesthetists in the perioperative journey, the group demonstrated the value of perioperative care and how it can improve patient outcomes and experiences, ultimately contributing to a reduction in elective care waitlists.

Anaesthetists and the NZSA are well-placed to offer our expertise and insight towards making improvements. The Minister was receptive to the topics discussed and has supported Ministry of Health representatives to assist in arranging for the NZSA to meet with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora to discuss challenges and opportunities around outsourcing.