2 May 2006
Combined Approach To Treating Diabetes And Heart Disease
A three-year quality improvement plan is now in the work programme for the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular
disease.
The plan will see the Ministry of Health, District Health Boards (DHBs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) all
working together in a collaborative approach.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes are leading causes of death in New Zealand and disproportionately affect Maori
and Pacific people and people of low socio economic status. Diabetes and CVD are priorities within the New Zealand
Health Strategy. A number of initiatives have already been developed by the country?s District Health Boards (DHBs) and
Primary Healthcare Organisations (PHOs). This plan aims to provide a framework for bringing together these various
initiatives.
The Ministry has already led the development of the Healthy Eating Healthy Action Strategy which targets the prevention
of conditions such as CVD and diabetes. The quality improvement plan for diabetes and cardiovascular disease will
complement this strategy.
The Ministry of Health?s Chief Clinical Advisor, Sandy Dawson says ?The quality of care for people with diabetes and
cardiovascular disease in New Zealand is amongst the highest in the world but we are always seeking to improve and
that?s what this initiative hopes to do.?
The next step is for the Ministry to consult with DHBs and NGOs on the terms of reference for this work. Following this
an expert advisory group will be set up to review national diabetes/CVD outcomes, and the process for identifying key
priorities for quality improvement.
The New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes Annual Conference is being held in Palmerston North on May 3-5.
http://www.nzssd.org.nz/meetings.html
ENDS