New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology Update

The health system in Aotearoa New Zealand is facing a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty. As Clinical Director of Gastroenterology in Waitaha Canterbury, I understand first-hand the pressures facing the health system, and see that in the context of Te Whatu Ora there are often delays in changes being approved that would improve care pathways.

As doctors, our focus is always on wanting to provide the best care possible for our patients. I am passionate about research as a pathway to improve care and have a number of research interests including autoimmune liver diseases, which sometimes overlap in people living with IBD. I have also undertaken many clinical trials of new curative oral antiviral drugs for treatment of hepatitis C. In first-hand advocacy work, I have seen the enormous impact on both quality of life and longevity that can be achieved when highly effective therapies are developed, funded, and offered to our patients. When chronic health conditions are well treated or cured, it often means the health problems become less dominant in people’s lives and they can focus on other things.

The NZSG has recently been moving more intentionally into advocacy, with establishment of a range of Special Interest Working Groups including IBD Medication, Hepatology, Sustainability and Equity. We believe this approach will increase our impact as a specialist society as we work with our partners to effect change in these areas. We are delighted to have finally seen progress this year with PHARMAC funding both ustekinumab and vedolizumab and I would like to particularly acknowledge the leadership of Dr Estella Johns who has led and convened the IBD Medications Working Group on behalf of the NZSG. However, there is much ongoing advocacy work to be done as we would love to see access to some of the newer oral agents, and there is also an urgent need for additional funding of IBD nurse specialist to help improve quality of care for the growing population of people living with IBD in New Zealand.

The NSG looks forward to continuing to partner with you all in improving health outcomes for those with Crohn’s and Colitis. Ko koe ki tēnā, ko ahau ki tēnei kīwai o te kete/ You at that handle, and I at this handle of the basket (we carry things together).