Introduction
Service within the NZDF exposes its personnel to a number of risks, sometimes due directly to operational dangers, but often to environmental dangers as well. Consequently, a monitoring system in which Service members can choose to be informed of likely health conditions, perhaps proactively, has solid support. Experiences with depleted uranium, asbestos and arsenic exposure have been raised by Service members.
Information should be securely stored and only used for clearly defined purposes, and Service members should be given the option to opt-out if they wish.
Information sharing with international partners should also be considered, as the current nature of Service requires members of the NZDF to serve with other nations’ Armed Forces. One Service member explained that he had been attached to a international team inspecting a destroyed nuclear reactor, and later developed cancer - they have no knowledge whether the other international members of that team had similar health problems.
Focus Group participants almost unanimously supported monitoring the ongoing health of Service members, explaining that “The transparency of a record system like this would demonstrate the NZDF’s commitment to care, which reflects trust and honesty”. They voiced little opposition to the use of a micro-chipped card containing their Service and medical details, noting it would “allow the NZDF and the individual to be more proactive rather than reactive”.
Question 95
What body should be responsible for the management of the War Pensions Medical Trust Fund?
To be determined by VANZ and Law Commission during next phase of review.
Question 96
Is research into the medical impacts of service in particular deployments something in which the Government should be investing?
Yes. Focus Groups unanimously supported proactive monitoring of medical trends by the NZDF, especially in relation to post-deployment conditions and general disease such as asbestos and depleted uranium.
New Zealand should have a Centre for Veterans Health. This could allow collaboration with university’s medical, psychological, and social institutions.
Question 97
Is it desirable to monitor the health and well being of veterans after they return from service?
Yes – as a part of formal research with a clearly defined purpose and outcomes.
Question 98
Would you support recording some information about a veteran’s service history, medical history and entitlements on a micro-chipped card that could be read by medical professionals?
Yes, in principle all Focus Group participants agreed that a micro-chipped card would be useful, but many expressed concerns about the system that would be developed to manage the information. Security concerns focused on travelling and the potential consequences of losing the card. Participants also recommended that the uses of the card be limited to prevent future employers from using it to assess whether someone is fit for employment, or by insurance companies when assessing premiums.
Overall, participants were enthusiastically supportive. As one explained, “It’s so important, especially the deployment records because there’s so much that happens that you just don’t record or you’re out doing a patrol and something happens and then 30 years down the line something happens and you can connect it your service and you have a record to prove it”.
Question 98 Personnel Feedback
Focus Groups Overall, participants were enthusiastically supportive. As one explained, “It’s so important, especially the deployment records because there’s so much that happens that you just don’t record or you’re out doing a patrol and something happens and then 30 years down the line something happens and you can connect it your service and you have a record to prove it”.
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