Hato Hone St John (HHStJ) welcomes the announcement by Minister of Health Hon Simeon Brown and Associate Minister of Health Hon Casey Costello of a review of aged care funding and service models which enable an integrated health and aged care and system in the future.
“Reform of the way in which funding is provided and the development of a more integrated aged care system are critical if we are to meet the demands of a growing population of older New Zealanders,” said Jon Moores, Deputy Chief Executive – Clinical Services for Hato Hone St John.
HHStJ plays a key role in supporting older people, with 50% of ambulance responses to patients aged 65 and over, and tens of thousands of our health shuttle clients and medical alarm users in this age group too.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury, hospitalisation, and loss of independence for older New Zealanders. In 2024, HHSJ attended over 31,000 low-acuity falls, highlighting the growing demand for timely and effective community-based care.
“A fit-for-purpose funding model and greater integration of the health and aged care services that address these needs are vitally important to ensure support for older people in our communities remains responsive and relevant,” said Moores.
HHStJ’s Falls Prevention and Response Strategy 2025–2030 emphasises partnerships with health services, iwi, and local communities to ensure care is accessible, coordinated, and culturally safe, helping older people maintain independence and wellbeing. It builds on our unique position as an emergency ambulance service to also being a proactive partner in prevention, recovery, and community-led care.
With New Zealand’s population aged 65 and over expected to grow to around 1.3 million by 2040, the need for innovative, integrated approaches to aged care is urgent.
“Hato Hone St John will continue supporting older New Zealanders, and looks forward to contributing our perspectives to this important ministerial review.”
ENDS
For futher information
Hato Hone St John media team
PH: 0800 756 334
E: media@stjohn.org.nz