PHARMAC is seeking input on clinical matters from all users of medical devices in the clinical setting following Cabinet approval of the plan for PHARMAC to assume responsibility for the standardisation, prioritisation and procurement of medical devices. In addition to opportunities for face to face discussion, PHARMAC has developed a list of questions to help identify the best ways of working with clinicians and the sorts of information they need to consider to ensure sensible funding decisions for medical devices (including consumables).

The consultation document and questions are available here and NZNO strongly encourages all members and member groups to give this their full consideration to ensure this initiative achieves the objective of improving the cost-effectiveness of public spending to generate savings for re-investment into health. Education, use and management of medical devices is integral to nursing practice, and this is an opportunity to help develop sensible efficient, and fair systems for the purchase and management of medical devices in public hospitals.

Feedback Due: 1st March 2013

Feedback should be directed to Policy Analyst Marilyn Head - marilynh@nzno.org.nz  Ph 04 494 6372