Southern Cross’ research partner, Kantar, has spoken to more than 7,000 New Zealanders since 2019 to inform the biennial Healthy Futures survey. Nick Astwick, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross Health Society, says it’s no surprise that health is now a top priority for New Zealanders.
“Our Healthy Futures findings show two thirds of New Zealanders believe they’ve experienced a long-term impact to their physical and mental health from Covid-19. Coupled with this is the increasing pressure on our healthcare system to manage growing demand and costs, while keeping a high standard of care for all New Zealanders,” Astwick says.
“We’ve seen a surge in demand for healthcare services firsthand with Southern Cross members claims increasing this year. On average, the current value of claims made every business day is $6 million, which is up from $5.2 million last year.”
Astwick says many people encountered barriers to accessing medical treatment. While cost was perceived as the main blocker, significantly more people said long wait times and the unavailability of healthcare professionals were the reasons they delayed or didn’t receive treatment when unwell.
“Telehealth services are increasingly connecting people with care when they need it, like online GP consultation services such as CareHQ. These alternative care models have shown a lot of promise to improve New Zealanders’ access to quality healthcare, and to complement and reduce pressure on the primary healthcare sector,” says Astwick.
Image: © Spid Pye, Truestock
Healthy Futures findings also showed the cost of living was a concern for 91% of New Zealanders. Dr Stephen Child, Chief Medical Officer for Southern Cross Health Society, says sustained financial pressures are impacting New Zealander’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“More people lost sleep in 2024 than in previous years. A high mental load, going to bed late and feeling anxious or stressed were among the main reasons for losing sleep. But working long hours was also mentioned as a reason for not getting enough sleep,” Dr Child says.
“Work/life balance and job security are particularly important for New Zealanders. Significantly more of us were worried about job security this year and fewer than half of those surveyed described their current work/life balance positively, with high workloads and financial pressures to blame.”
Dr Child says it was clear accessing basic needs, like affordable housing and healthy food was getting even harder. But there were some positive findings noted in the report, with just 12% of adult New Zealanders unhappy about their mental wellbeing at present.
“Encouragingly, the majority of New Zealanders are taking steps to look after their mental health and they’re doing this by keeping their brains stimulated, spending time outdoors and nurturing relationships.”
Increased concerns about cancer care services were also evident in the report, says Dr Child, with 82% of respondents worried about being able to access cancer care, an increase of 6% from the 2022 report.
“Around 25,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer every year, so many of us will either experience it directly or will have whānau or friends going through it,” Dr Child says.
“Access along the cancer pathway, which includes the screening, surgery, chemoradiation therapy, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, is key. Early detection does save lives and having the people and facilities available to deliver cancer related healthcare is vital. Even with private and public providers collaborating where they are able, the system is under pressure and requires a whole-of journey view and solutions.”
Dr Child says recent Government decisions to fund more cancer care medications may see this concern shift over time.
Image: © Jay Drew, Truestock
Healthy Futures aims to help highlight issues that New Zealanders are experiencing as these insights can help to inform decisions to help empower people to build a healthier future for themselves and their whānau.
“Southern Cross believes all New Zealanders should have ongoing access to health and wellbeing options which work for them, no matter what life stage they are in, or how far along their health and wellbeing journey they are,” concludes Dr Child.
This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Southern Cross.
