Primary Health Care Strategy

Implementation Programme 2005-2010

Working Document for Sector Engagement – March 2006

1.0 Background

HCA supports the change in approach and direction outlined in the working document, in particular the desire to:
• increase the focus on addressing inequalities;
• support local innovation and change;
• enable flexibility so that local variations can be accommodated; and
• be responsive and timely to local requirements.

This means accepting that one size does not fit all. There is wide agreement on the principles of the strategy. However, one of the frustrations has been that some DHBs have responded to local innovations by saying there is no funding available or they require national agreement.

DHBs need to adequately resource proven community-driven initiatives so that they can effectively serve their high-need populations. Recent Harvard University research of NGOs shows that the biggest impediment is their inability to attract funding for organisational capacity as well as service delivery. Without sufficient understanding and practical support, community organisations feel that they are constantly swimming upstream, trying to provide effective services with one hand tied behind their backs.

The strategy has worked well where DHBs understand the community sector approach. But if the devolved model is to succeed, the change cannot be dependant on the goodwill of individual DHBs. It will require a systematic approach across the board. to ensure that DHB primary care funding and planning people have an in-depth understanding of community sector NGOs.

Download PHCS submission May 2006 here