HBDHB among the best in New Zealand

14 July 2005

HBDHB Child Health Services ranks among the best in New Zealand

Once again, Hawke’s Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) was ranked 2nd equal by the Paediatric Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) Scorecard of child health services. HBDHB child health services have now been placed in the top three DHBs for child health services three years in a row and have also been the top mid-sized DHB over this period.

Responding to the Scorecard, HBDHB Chief Executive Chris Clarke said, "We are very proud of our children's services in Hawke's Bay. Once again they've led the country and shown that a small DHB can achieve truly great things."

Clinical Director of Paediatrics at Hawke's Bay Hospital Dr Philip Moore said, "Our children's doctors, nurses, other health professionals and managers all work extremely hard and we're supported by an organisation that values our professionalism and expertise."

The PSNZ Scorecard asks DHBs to answer questions about the health services provided for children and youth in their region. It examines the breadth of services available, relationships between planning and funding, management and clinicians and the quality of those services. It is not a measure of child health per se.

Manager of Women, Children Youth and Community Services Mollie Wilson said, "We place great store in the partnership between planning and funding, managers and clinicians. That's the key to excellent services in health in the 21st century."

The PSNZ complimented HBDHB on the importance placed on children and youth in DHB planning, services to combat child abuse and domestic violence, paediatric nurse education, services for children with asthma, and the child-friendly hospital environment.

Says Chris Clarke, “ While this report reflects well on our current services there is also room for improvement. Our priorities for the next 12 months include respite services for disabled children, primary care services for youth, diabetes, continence services and child and adolescent mental health.’

ENDS

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