The New Zealand Ambassador in France, Rosemary Banks, recently hosted a presentation and roundtable discussion on the future of the health sector, at her official residence in Paris.
Keynote speaker Chai Chuah, National Director of the New Zealand government's Health Board started proceedings by outlining how New Zealand ensures the long term development of its health system through improved efficiency and better sharing of information. Mr Chuah's insight revealed how New Zealand is developing new models of care, which have relevance to other OECD countries, including France.
"France and New Zealand healthcare providers face similar challenges to cope with the increased expense and demands of an ageing population. In response to the enormous challenge of delivering higher levels of care at reduced cost, models of care are changing," said Chai Chuah. "There is increased clinical and system integration, patients are being empowered and resources streamlined, resulting in Personalised Healthcare."
Mr Chuah's presentation was followed by presentations from Guy Collet, Strategic Advisor at the French Hospital Federation and Marc Boisnel, Deputy Delegate for International and European Affairs at the Ministry of Work, Employment and Health. Afterwards the Master of Ceremonies and journalist Marie-Dominique Montel led a roundtable between the three speakers and the audience during which strategies for incorporating New Zealand's new models of care into the French health sector were discussed.
Ariane Gonzalez, New Zealand Trade Commissioner in France for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise said: "Tonight's event has highlighted the importance of sharing best practice. New Zealand is committed to protecting and improving its health system on a sustainable basis, and recognises that new approaches are required to increase quality while reining in spending. The roundtable discussion exemplified the collective challenges faced by France and New Zealand and opened the door for new ideas and solutions."
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About Chai Chuah
Chai Chuah is National Director of the National Health Board Business Unit of the New Zealand Ministry of Health.
The NHB Business Unit is central to the new model for planning and funding of health services and changes that will have an emphasis on:
- Stronger clinical leadership
- Improving quality and safety
- Higher service performance
- Improved regional and national decision making, and
- Reducing administrative cost and waste
Before joining the Ministry, Chai was Chief Executive of Hutt Valley District Health Board - a position he held since 2002.