NZ’s hidden chronic health burden is even bigger than we thought – new analysis

NZ’s hidden chronic health burden is even bigger than we thought – new analysis

Getty ImagesIn New Zealand, more than 80% of healthcare costs go toward caring for people with long-term or chronic conditions. Startling as that statistic might seem, it won’t be so surprising to those working in our hospital wards and general practices. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma are common, and many people live with two or more at once – something called multimorbidity. It’s well known this requires ongoing care, of…