Notice to the Transitional Health Authority of the Crown's Objectives for Health and Disability Services for 1997/98 I, Simon William English, hereby give the Transitional Health Authority notice of the Crown's objectives in relation to the matters described in section 8 (1) of the Health and Disability Services Act 1993. 1. Primary Objectives The Crown's primary objective is to improve health status, improve, promote and protect the public health, and to promote the independence of the people of New Zealand. The Crown's objective for Mori health is to improve Mori health status so Mori will have the opportunity to enjoy the same level of health as non-Mori. 2. Management Expectations In order to fulfil the Crown's primary objectives, the Transitional Health Authority will focus its activities on the following objectives: Contracting cycle That the Transitional Health Authority has a robust cycle of assessing health need, analysing and prioritising the services it contracts for, and ensuring its contracting achieves the greatest improvement in health and independence for the Authority's eligible population, within the resource constraints. Financial management and financial performance That the Transitional Health Authority operates a financially sound and sustainable business, within appropriated funding levels, and is able to assure the Government of this. Risk management That the Transitional Health Authority manages its risk by maintaining effective and efficient risk management strategies and processes within the constraints set by the Crown, including budget, service requirements and the financial operating environment. Relationships with providers That the Transitional Health Authority ensures contracting arrangements are based on effective relationships and negotiations carried out in good faith, and that it fosters an environment of cooperation and collaboration between itself and providers, and between providers. Strategic direction That the Transitional Health Authority ensures that its strategic direction is consistent with the Government's strategic direction during the 1997/98 transitional year as outlined in the Coalition Agreement. Consumer satisfaction That the Transitional Health Authority ensures that the services it contracts for are satisfactory to consumers (including potential consumers) and that providers of those services have adequate systems to ensure consumer satisfaction is monitored and maintained. 3. Policy Priority Areas In order to fulfil the Crown's primary objectives, the Transitional Health Authority will focus its activities on the following objectives: Mori health That the Transitional Health Authority develops, contracts for, and provides culturally effective systems and services which meet the special health needs, expectations, and aspirations of Mori, so Mori will have the opportunity to enjoy the same level of health as non-Mori. Mental health That the Transitional Health Authority, by focusing on improving the access to, and co-ordination of services, decreases the prevalence of mental illness and reduces the impact of mental disorders on consumers, their families, caregivers, and the general community. Child health That the Transitional Health Authority focuses on improving the coverage of services, in particular through targeting those who are in need of additional services, and through identifying cost effective services that contribute to improving the health status of children and adolescents. The Transitional Health Authority must also ensure that the Government's policy of near universal access to free medical services for children under 6 years old continues. 4. Access and Standards In order to achieve the Crown's primary objectives, the Transitional Health Authority shall have regard to: 4.1 the particular characteristics, special needs, and cultural values of communities (in particular Mori, Pacific Islands' people, and people with disabilities); and 4.2 any coverage and/or terms of access to the services specified by the Crown; and 4.3 the standards (including ethical standards) that the Authority considers appropriate for those services, and subject to generally accepted clinical protocols. Dated at Wellington this 11th day of August 1997. Hon. BILL ENGLISH, Minister of Health.