While a lot of the focus is on the new entities and what their role will be, I wanted to confirm what the reforms mean for the mental health and addiction team within the Ministry of Health.
Firstly, we remain one integrated team within the Ministry. Our functions cover strategy and policy, regulation, clinical and lived experience expertise, and suicide prevention. We are focusing on our stewardship role and building the monitoring function within the team. Additionally, the Director of Mental Health has taken over management of the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003 – you can find out more below.
We are working closely with other teams across the Ministry, and of course working with our colleagues in Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora, and with Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People.
There’s still a lot of information to come, but one thing we can confirm is that our work continues and will remain important.
I hope you saw the recent announcement that people with serious mental health and addiction needs are now eligible for free flu vaccinations. This is fantastic news as it means easier access to the flu vaccine for around 170,000 more people. This is the result of a huge amount of mahi from many people across the sector, so thank you to everyone involved.
This week, Matthew Tukaki joined us as the new Director of the Suicide Prevention Office. Matthew is passionate about preventing suicide in Aotearoa, and keen to get stuck into the work. I’d once again like to acknowledge Dr Sarah Hetrick for acting as Director since October last year while the search for a permanent appointment was underway.
We are well into winter now, and I know that everyone is feeling the pressure and stepping up every day to support New Zealanders to be well. To everyone in the mental health and addiction sector, thank you for your hard work and commitment through this time of change.
Ngā mihi,
Arran
Click here to view full update
Menu
