Lots to talk about at the Ministry of Health Forum
The Auckland Forum on 26th March 2008, hosted by the Ministry of Health was attended by over 80 people. The day was opened by Geraldine Woods, Deputy Director General of Health. She spoke of her aim to be an “Intelligent Funder” by buying the right services at the right time.
Ms Woods is aware that people with disabilities want ‘ordinary everyday lives’ – they want control and influence over their own lives. Her priorities are: Workforce; Information (nothing about us without us); Families and young disabled (currently the focus is around services for the young disabled person and not around the family); Flexibility with money and the services that can be provided – trying to be more flexible with what is there.
There was much enthusiastic discussion in the breakout groups, the topics being: ‘What is going well?’, ‘What could be done better?’, What are the barriers preventing things being done better?’ and ‘What is needed for improved outcomes?’. A report will be published later this month on the outcome of the day.
Sue McKinnon facilitating a break out group
Alison Hearn, Ministry of Health summing up at the end of the day
