National Clinical Networks Overview

National Clinical Networks drive unified healthcare standards, reduce variations, and enhance equitable access nationwide.

National Clinical Networks are a core part of the new health system that we are building.

Te Pae Tata identifies the establishment of national networks as a key step in removing unwarranted variation in access to care, waiting times and clinical practice, and ultimately health outcomes for New Zealanders.

Several national services and networks were already in place when Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) was established. We are building on this work to set up a broader range of networks, with common operating approaches, wider representation and a clear mandate. This will create more joined-up clinical leadership across key services, and deliver a better, fairer health system.

National Clinical Networks involve experts from different parts of the health system and across professional disciplines working with consumers and whānau, to influence how we prioritise and deliver change through the development of national standards and models of care.

Networks focus on:

• developing national standards and models of care
• identifying ways to address variation in service quality and outcomes
• addressing equity
• developing innovative, efficient, and evidence-based solutions to inform investments and workforce planning.

The networks work in collaboration with relevant national, regional, and local stakeholders to identify what care and services are required at different levels, who should provide these services, and how they should be delivered.

The National Clinical Networks programme is part of the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer within Health NZ. This means the Networks are well placed for alignment with government and clinical priorities and delivery across the system. The National Clinical Networks Director is Mary Cleary Lyons.

Network co-leads work closely with the national clinical leadership team.

Each network agrees a work plan which is signed off by the Oversight Group. It will ensure plans are focused on the core objective to improve equity of access, patient experience and outcomes.

Co-leads for each network are appointed following an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. To better respond to Māori health aspirations and improve Māori health outcomes, one of the co-leads for each network is appointed by the Hauora Māori Services Group within Health NZ.

A further EOI process occurs to establish the wider membership of each network. Membership is built to balance a whole of system view, ensuring leadership from across the system and all clinical kaimahi. Consumer and whānau representation is also very important, and the Oversight Group will work with each network to determine how best to ensure these voices are heard.

A phased approach is being taken to establishing the networks. There are currently seven Networks in place – Stroke, Cardiac, Trauma, Renal, Eye Health, Radiology and Infection Services. Additional networks being established include Cancer, Mental Health and Addiction, Rural Health, Oral Health, Maternity, and Diabetes.

For further information please email NationalClinicalNetworks@tewhatuora.govt.nz