‘Revolutionary’ public-private partnerships an answer to health’s failing infrastructure

Thanks to the ever-growing healthcare needs of New Zealand’s aging and growing population, coupled with an increase in chronic conditions, the public health system needs a revolutionary approach.

So says NZ Private Surgical Hospitals Association president, Richard Whitney, who believes government promises to rebuild and repair the healthcare system would benefit greatly from a public-private partnership.

His comments follow those of business advisory services partner at Grant Thornton, Pam Newlove, who offered a similar solution in The Spinoff.

She recommended the Labour government embrace the best practices and skills of the private sector.
Mr Whitney agrees a PPP will assist New Zealand’s healthcare services rise to the significant challenges it faces, both presently and in the future.

“This is where the country’s private hospitals can support government.

“We are offering to assist District Health Boards meet their demands while reducing their financial burden and addressing waiting lists, saving them valuable and much-needed capital and allowing them to invest funds in other health priorities.”

The health sector is in need of serious changes; while critical capital investment is required, this must be balanced with funding for the continuous demand for quality healthcare services.

More than 350,000 New Zealanders 18 years and over have some form of elective surgery each year.

An additional 280,000 have been told they need some form of elective surgery but only 110,000 of those are on waiting lists. Waiting times for surgery can be between 80 and 304 days.

“We’re offering a cost-effective solution that would not only actively support DHBs, but also benefit the many thousands of New Zealanders who need, but cannot get, timely surgery,” Mr Whitney says.

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