Aims

We have identified the following aims which we see as the cornerstones to achieve our vision.

To promote healthy lifestyles and self responsibility

We have more control over our health than we think. The more we are able to live a healthy lifestyle and value our health, the healthier a community we will be. Some illnesses are unavoidable, but it is good to know we can influence our health in other ways. There is more to wellness and illness than behaviours we can change, and we acknowledge the importance of social and cultural influences that determine our health too.
To have the people and infrastructure to meet changing health needs

We will only be able to create a healthier community by having the right workforce in place. We need to support them to do their jobs properly and this includes the places they work, the equipment they need and the information at hand to do the best job they can.
To have people as healthy as they can be through promotion, prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation

We will focus on working with people to prevent illness through healthy lifestyles and screening for risk factors and disease. The earlier we find and treat disease, the more likely we are to recover completely, suffer less and live longer.
To have services that are people-centred and accessible where the health sector works as one

There are many people and organisations involved in healthcare. Not one of us can do the job on our own. We must all work together to make sure that people have access to healthcare that is people-centred. This means people not having to worry about navigating a complex system.
To have a multi-agency approach to health

There are many things that can have an impact on how healthy we are. How warm and dry our houses are, how much money we have, whether we have transport or work are some of the other factors that can affect our health. Health organisations alone cannot solve these problems. It is critical that we work with our partners who can influence these things.

To improve the health of Māori and groups with poor health status

One of the most worrying aspects of health is that some groups such as Māori suffer more ill health and die earlier than others. This gap – known as the inequality gap – means that we have a lot of work to do to make sure that everyone has a chance to be healthy and live longer.

To lead and support the health and disability sector and provide stability throughout change

We have a responsibility to see the whole picture, the whole community, in terms of health and to support everyone working in Taranaki to do the best job they can in a world of constant change. We want our plans to stand the test of time in the interests of the Taranaki people.

To make the best use of the resources available

We will only be successful if we can use our resources wisely and to the best effect. To do this we need to balance the health needs of Taranaki carefully with the resources we have.

Last updated: Wednesday, May 15, 2024