LOGIC March 2018 Vol 17 Vol 1 | Page 6

models of care enabling improved access to people. Its impact will be immense. • • • The HPSR, enacted on January 31 st will enable suitably qualified health professionals, particularly registered nurses and nurse practitioners, to do things formerly only able to be done by doctors: death certification; fitness to drive; sickness certification; prescribing for opiate addiction and more. Nurse prescribing has progressed significantly in the past year, primarily the work of Nursing Council of New Zealand and supported by the sector. Enabling nurse practitioners to issue standing orders has paved the way for accelerating the work of registered nurses and nurse practitioners to provide greater access and better utilise the nursing workforce. outcomes can be supported by a priority to support and grow the Māori nursing workforce. This work, in partnership with the sector, MOH Maori Leadership and HWNZ, is being led out of the Office by our newest Senior Advisor Ramai Lord. Last year New Zealand nursing and health leaders formulated a strategic direction to guide nursing into the future and assist change. It’s quite simple and yet very powerful and comprises three key pillars: partnering with consumers; strong leadership to ensure this truly happens; and working with nurses to assist them make the changes to embrace future work. The NZ College of PHC Nurses wishes Jane all the best in her new role and would also like to acknowledge her contribution towards nursing throughout NZ. I will be taking these three things with me to my new role as Chief Nurse at Plunket and look forward to hearing of the work you do to move this important agenda forward. Key will be making sure nurses are in the right place, with the right attitude and authorised to fully utilise their knowledge and skills. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou The critically important work of improving Māori health March 2018 L.O.G.I.C 4