Developing a Digital Infrastructure Investment Plan for Healthcare in New Zealand
The New Zealand government is currently in the process of developing its investment plan for digital infrastructure in healthcare. Recently, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand released its first Health Infrastructure Plan, which serves as a national, long-term approach to renewing and expanding the country’s public health facilities. This plan is part of a larger 10-year investment strategy that outlines the principles and priorities guiding investment across physical and digital infrastructure and health technology.
According to Darren Douglass, the acting Chief Information Technology Officer at Te Whatu Ora, the Digital Investment Plan is still in development. The plan is being refined with stakeholder feedback, with a focus on funding and investment pathways. Douglass emphasized that digital services encompass a wide range of areas, including consumer-facing and population health services, as well as corporate users. The goal is to align digital and physical infrastructure to enhance care service delivery.
Health NZ is expected to release the Digital Investment Plan later this year. In response to the recent release of the Health Infrastructure Plan, the Digital Health Association (DHA) called for a more targeted investment in digital health. DHA CEO Ryl Jensen highlighted the importance of replacing legacy systems, reducing duplication, and investing in innovation to improve the efficiency and cohesiveness of the health system.
The Larger Context
Te Whatu Ora is working on a decade-long investment plan to support systemic changes that will enhance service efficiency and promote digital models of care. The growing, ageing, and more diverse population in New Zealand is increasing demand for health services and infrastructure. The organization emphasized the importance of developing new models of care, including virtual and digitally-enabled care, to meet the evolving needs of the population.
The upcoming Digital Investment Plan is expected to shed light on the government’s plan for Hira, a project that was paused following a budget recall in June. The government’s policy statement on health for 2024-2027 identified infrastructure, both digital and physical, as a key priority. The government aims to have digital infrastructure that supports technologies like telehealth and online mental health and addiction services.
As the government acknowledges the outdated IT infrastructure and security issues in the health system, there is a need to transition to more robust platforms and implement new technologies. Over the next three years, health entities are expected to adopt digital and innovative solutions, including precision health, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence, to enable care delivery at home.
