Notice to the Health Funding Authority of the Crown's Objectives for Health and Disability Services for 1998/99 I, Simon William English, hereby give the Health Funding Authority notice of the Crown's objectives in relation to the matters described in section 8 of the Health and Disability Services Act 1993. Crown's 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. Performance Expectations The following performance expectations of the HFA Board flow out of the Government's broader strategic direction for the health and disability sector (outlined in the Strategic Result Areas). Service Expectations Mori health contract for services which are responsive and sensitive to the cultural and social beliefs, values and practices of Iwi, hapu and Mori so that they have the opportunity to enjoy the same level of health as non-Mori this is to include an immediate emphasis on provider development. Mental health improve access to, and co-ordination of, services which contribute to a decrease in the prevalence of mental illness and which contribute to a reduction in the impact of mental disorders on consumers, their families, caregivers, and the general community this is to include an immediate emphasis on spending the Mason money in a cost-effective way. Child health improve 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 this is to include an immediate emphasis on the Strengthening Families strategy. Booking systems ensure that booking systems operate on the basis of clinical priority assessment criteria which are progressed towards national consistency and contract for the provision of a clinically acceptable level of elective surgery on that basis. Community health initiatives contribute to the initiation and development of innovative arrangements across organisational boundaries that incorporate community views and bring together a range of services to meet people's needs contract for the pilot initiatives on integrated care and build on information gained from their evaluation for further developments. Service coverage clearly articulate service coverage intentions in terms of the range and quality of services, and in terms of access to those services within the available resources, ensuring service coverage delivery, and identify and explain any changes to the service coverage work with the Ministry of Health to improve specification of service coverage for inclusion in the 1999/00 Funding Agreement; and prepare a service coverage document in plain English form for publication by the beginning of 1999/00. Ownership Expectations Strategic direction ensure that the HFA's strategic direction over the next 35 years is consistent with Government's strategic direction, and that the HFA clearly articulates this direction to the public and providers. Rationing demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the greatest improvements in health and independence for New Zealanders by maintaining a robust cycle of assessing health need, and of analysing and prioritising the services contracted for, within appropriated funding levels. Contracting further develop and refine contracting methodologies, determine the purchasing approach for each type of service/population, negotiate service delivery contracts and monitor delivery against contracts. Relationships with providers ensure contracting arrangements are based on effective relationships, that negotiations are carried out in good faith, and that an environment of co-operation and collaboration is fostered between the HFA and providers. In addition the HFA will contribute to an environment of co-operation and collaboration between providers. Information disclosure provide clear medium-term purchasing intentions and share information with CHEs on the analysis of current and future health needs, the rationing and pricing methodologies. Financial management and financial performance operate, and be able to assure the Government of this, a financially sound and sustainable business, within appropriated funding levels this includes an immediate emphasis on reducing and optimising operating costs. Risk management manage risk by maintaining effective and efficient risk management strategies and processes within the constraints set by the Crown, including budget and the financial operating environment. Dated at Wellington this 23rd day of January 1998. Hon. BILL ENGLISH, Minister of Health.