Bringing Pharmac’s voice to the National Quality Forum

“The National Quality Forum plays a pivotal role in how the health and disability system works,” says Dr Hughes. “It provides a mechanism for sharing, investigating, diagnosing, and addressing emerging and cross-agency concerns at a national level.”

Hosted by Te Tāhū Hauora, Health Quality and Safety Commission, the forum is made up of strategic representatives from Manatū Hauora, Te Whatu Ora, Te Aka Whai Ora, the Health and Disability Commission, and ACC.

“For Te Pātaka Whaioranga - Pharmac, it gives us the opportunity to discuss medicines optimisation, equity, and access.

“For example, we work hard to minimise barriers to access and to support the optimal use of medicines. Once we’ve completed our assessment and decision-making processes, and have the budget to fund the treatments, we rely on others to ensure our predicted benefits are realised. With this forum, our partners can help us better understand the impact of our funding decisions,” says Dr Hughes.

The National Quality Forum acts as an escalation point for quality concerns that cannot be managed within localities or regions, or that require more health sector or across government attention and intervention.

"It’s exciting to be offered a seat at the table to collaborate with others in the Health and Disability System,” says Dr Hughes. “Our input will increase over time, as we better understand the impact of the wider health and disability system changes.”