Todd McClay: Health money makes our lives better

Rotorua MP Todd McClay

When Kiwis need the healthcare system, it is important that they get the best and quickest service possible.

Despite tight economic times, the total spending in the health sector for the coming year will reach a record $15.9 billion.

This money will ensure people in Rotorua have access to a world class public health system. It complements the great job that doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals do every day at Lakes DHB.

To deliver on an election promise, from July 1 this year doctor's visits and prescriptions will be free for under-13s.

This means an estimated additional 17,000 children and young adults in Rotorua will now be able to visit a doctor without costing their parents, removing an often expensive barrier to better health.

For the sixth year in a row, investment in elective surgery will increase to record levels.

As part of the Budget, the Health Minister announced a further $98 million will be spent to provide more elective surgery to replace hips and knees. This means that since 2008 the number of patients receiving elective surgery has increased by 44,000 compared with the previous year, with an all-time record 161,933 hip, knee and other elective surgeries performed to help ease unnecessary pain.

There is an ongoing focus on fighting cancer.

Since 2008, waiting times for patients who need radiation or chemotherapy treatment have been reduced significantly to four weeks.

This means patients are no longer having to head overseas to Australia for cancer treatment, and can now get the gold standard of care right here in New Zealand.

New money has also been committed to the fight against cancer. $12.4 million will be invested to extend the bowel cancer screening pilot to December 2017.

The programme has treated more than 6000 people receiving lifesaving tests and treatment. The programme has delivered good results and could help cancer sufferers nationwide shortly.

More money for hospice and palliative care services will ensure that people who are terminally ill are as free from pain and suffering as possible, while also providing important support to family members. $76.1 million will mean bigger facilities and more specialist nurses to provide this vital care when it is needed.

Quality, affordable healthcare is crucial, and Kiwis deserve a system they can rely on when they need it the most.

I recognise the hard work of healthcare professionals in Rotorua. Thanks to them our health sector is performing at a high level.

I will continue to support and advocate for the good job they do at Lakes DHB. They are making people's lives happier, healthier and better.

-Todd McClay is MP for Rotorua.