Social Determinants of Health

Much can be done to achieve health in a population by focussing not only on the treatment of disease when it occurs, but also by addressing social determinants of health. These are factors like housing, domestic violence, employment opportunities. 
 

Te Whatu Ora could usefully work closely with other agencies e.g. MSD, Corrections, Courts, to ensure that peoples holistic needs are met. In mental health services, people are treated for their acute illness, but then released into the same social milieu. This is like trying to heat your home with all the windows and doors open. 
 

Collaborative teams comprising professionals from all relevant agencies should be formally created, so there is joint responsibility for any individual person in need. 

Social determinants of health are as important, if not more so, than acute (or chronic) treatment of illness.