Recent advocacy highlights in AoNZ

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New Zealand Skin Cancer Primary Prevention and Early Detection Strategy

RACS provided a response to the draft New Zealand Skin Cancer Primary Prevention and Early Detection Strategy released by the Melanoma Network of New Zealand.  

Read submission (PDF 142.59KB).

Ros Pochin, Chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee, welcomed the review by the Health and Disability Commissioner of the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994 and the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights 1996.   

Expedited Pathway for Vocational Registration in Aotearoa New Zealand
Te Kaunihera Pūtaiao Hauora O Aotearoa - Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) consulted in July 2024 on a proposed expedited pathway for registration in the Provisional Vocational scope of practice.  

RACS recognised the global and national workforce crisis and the need to be careful not to impose unnecessary barriers to international Medical Graduates (IMGs) whilst also exercising caution. 

Review of the End of Life Choice Act 2019 - Aotearoa New Zealand

RACS welcomed the review by Manatū Hauora - Ministry of Health of the End of Life Choice Act 2019. Provisions in the Act raise a number of concerns for surgeons. 

Anaesthetic Technician Proposed Scope of Practice and Competency Standards in Aotearoa New Zealand

RACS responded to a review by Te Kaunihera Pūtaiao Hauora O Aotearoa - Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand of the Anaesthetic Technician (AT) Scope of Practice (SOP) and Competence Standards (CS). 

RACS welcomed the proposed wider scope of practice to include a greater focus on the perioperative process. However, the revised scope also implied anaesthetic technicians are practitioners working independently of anaesthetists. The scope needs to confirm the role of an anaesthetic technician as an assistant to the anaesthetist.

A nationwide governance model for laboratory, pathology and histology services in Aotearoa New Zealand

In October 2024, RACS had the opportunity to provide feedback in a targeted consultation by Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand on a nationwide governance model to address issues around equity, consistency, and service sustainability for laboratory and pathology/histology services in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Needs-based Service Provision – Ethnicity is an evidence-based marker of need

In October 2024 RACS wrote to the Minister of Health urging him to acknowledge there is already substantial evidence supporting ethnicity as a determinant of health for Māori and other population groups, leading to inequity of access, service delivery and outcomes in healthcare. 

Regulation of Physician Associates in Aotearoa New Zealand

In October 2024 RACS wrote to the Minister of Health expressing concern about his approval of the application for the regulation of the Physician Associate profession under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. 

Updating Pae Tū - Hauora Māori Strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand 

Manatū Hauora - Ministry of Health sought input from RACS in a targeted consultation on development of an updated version of Pae Tu - Hauora Māori Strategy.

John Mutu-Grigg, Chair of the Māori Health Advisory Group and Professor Jonathan Koea, Kaiārahi, Māori Trainee Liaison Lead, wrote to Manatū Hauora welcomed the opportunity to provide a RACS perspective, noting that very few Māori have become surgeons, yet Māori suffer from an excess of surgical-disease and mortality in comparison to non-Māori, and this excess is independent of socioeconomic status. 

Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill - Aotearoa New Zealand

RACS wrote to the Prime Minister and the Leaders of the Act and New Zealand First Parties, the three coalition partners in the Government of Aotearoa New Zealand, saying we believe that the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill and any subsequent legislation would have a significantly negative impact on Māori health outcomes and should be revoked.

Draft Suicide Prevention Plan 2025-2029 – Aotearoa New Zealand

Manatu Hauora – Ministry of Health consulted on an updated Draft Suicide Prevention Plan for 2025-29. RACS focused on the need to support the mental health and wellbeing of the surgical workforce within the stressful workplace that has developed within the healthcare system in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Proposal to strengthen clinical leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand issued for consultation with its employees a proposal aimed at strengthening clinical leadership across the publicly funded health service. RACS wrote to the Chief Clinical Officer saying we do not support the current proposal and recommended suspending the process until a better case for change is developed.