New Zealand introduces new format for national health index
Te Whatu Ora will publish a new format for the National Health Index (NHI) from July 2026.
The NHI provides a unique identifier for every New Zealand citizen from birth or their first interaction with the health system. From the AAA111# format, the NHI will transition to the new AAA11A# format.
“The new format is designed for newborn babies and people entering the health system for the first time,” Te Whatu Ora said in a statement.
Health IT providers were initially told to make the necessary updates to their systems, devices and processes for both current and new formats, with the transition scheduled for October next year. The deadline was adjusted to give them more time to make this change.
$6 million for national health data projects
The Australian government recently announced AUD9.2 million ($6.2 million) in funding for four national health data projects.
Based on a press release, the following projects receive financial support from the Medical Research Future Fund:
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“The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute”GenV: A linked national data asset for early and middle-age health solutions” aims to combine data from all babies across the country to support preventive health care for mothers and children.
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“A” from Monash University National, linked, clinical quality registry for cervical cancer” will link data on vaccination, screening and treatment rates for cervical cancer.
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“Fertility Medicine Data Asset for Australia” from the University of New South Wales: FM DATA” aims to collect data on fertility, infertility and reproductive medicine.
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‘Creating a National Congenital Heart Disease’ by the University of SydneyKnowledge base“.”
Franklin Hospital to implement new PAS
Franklin Hospital in New Zealand implements a new patient management system.
Recently, Orion was awarded a contract for its PAS, which includes a clinical portal, progress notes, a dynamic patient summary, surgery and endoscopy dashboards, and a results viewer. It also offers a comprehensive set of clinical workflow forms and integrates with key national systems.
The Auckland hospital serves more than 3,200 patients annually. Specializing in endoscopy and surgical procedures, it required a solution that provides “detailed, reliable patient and procedure data.”
Starting this month, September, the PAS project is expected to significantly reduce medical errors and relieve clinicians and staff of administrative burdens. It is scheduled to go live in April next year.