Improving injury outcomes and experience of indigenous New Zealanders. (12th November 2014) - Witheford-Smith, Suzanne
Abstract This presentation outlines disparities in the uptake of accident compensation entitlements by indigenous New Zealanders and a programme to prevent injury and improve outcomes/experience for MÄori. ACC administers NZ's 24/7 no-fault accident compensation scheme which covers New Zealanders and visitors to NZ injured at work, home, play, in road crashes, or during treatment. Research has shown that disparities persist in injury outcomes/experience for NZ's indigenous population (MÄori make-up 15% of the population and experience multiple disadvantage). This is inconsistent with the Government's commitment to Crown-MÄori partnership. Disparities findings persist for MÄori included; higher rates of serious/fatal injuries on the roads, lower GP referral rates to medical/surgical specialists, found the claim process more complicated and ACC less helpful in their return to work and lower rates of employment participation following a serious injury. ACC's 10 year vision of success; improved outcomes/experience for MÄori clients and businesses, increased injury prevention effectiveness for MÄori and improved ACC culture and capability in relation to MÄori. Over a three year period, the ACC Board considered a series of papers on disparities in the uptake of entitlements by MÄori. In early 2013, the Board considered advice on the Scheme's and organisation's responsiveness to MÄori and endorsed the need for significant improvements. We shall explore two phases. Phase 1 of ACC's MÄori Programme aims to reduce disparities, build organisational capability and establish relationships. Initiatives include innovative solutions to improve employment participation of seriously injured MÄori. Phase 2 builds new partnerships with indigenous organisations and embeds cultural-responsiveness into the organisation/system. Challenges include building genuine partnerships and sustaining the Programme in a changing organisational, social, political and economic context. Improving injury outcomes/experience for MÄori is a long-term commitment. Programme success includes fewer fatal/serious injuries to Maori, better employment participation after injury, and new partnerships.