This guidelines document is for shared service agencies to use as appropriate to assist in the development of their 2017/18 regional service plans (RSPs).

The purpose of an RSP is to provide a mechanism for DHBs to document their regional collaboration efforts and align service and capacity planning in a deliberate way. The RSPs include national and local regional priorities, and outline how DHBs intend to plan, fund and implement these services at a regional or sub-regional level. The plans have a specific focus on reducing service vulnerability, reducing costs and improving the quality of care to patients.

The RSP Guidelines are a reference document to enable regions to meet their minimum obligations when drafting their RSPs.