For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
New GPS off track when it comes to tackling inequity
Wednesday 31 July 2024, 12:00 AM

The 2024 Government Policy Statement on Health has a love of targets, metrics and “evidence-based" decision-making [Image: Remi Gieling on Unsplash]
Gabrielle Baker dives into the implications of the new Government Policy Statement on Health, highlighting its departure from previous commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity and what this means
In early July, health minister Shane Reti released his Government Policy Statement on Health 2024–27, as required under the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures)
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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References
- Ministry of Health. Interim Government Policy Statement on Health 2022-2024. Wellington: Ministry of Health. 2022. Health.govt.nz
- Ministry of Health. Cabinet material: Confirming the Government Policy Statement on Health for 2024-2027. 10 July 2024
- Willis N. (2024) Accelerating Social Investment [press release]. 9 May. Available at beehive.govt.nz
- Ministry of Transport. An evaluation of modal shift in the Government Policy Statement (GPS) on land transport; February 2023. Transport.govt.nz
- Simmonds S, Carter M, Haggie H, et al. A Cultural Safety Training Plan for Vocational Medicine in Aotearoa. Te ORA and the Council of Medical Colleges. January 2023
- Ministry of Health. Resources for Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard. Wellington: Standards New Zealand. 2021. standards.govt.nz