Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman

Minister of Health

24 May 2016 Media Statement
Latest health target results – Waikato

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the health targets continue to drive performance across the health system, with the gains made in the previous quarter largely maintained in Waikato DHB.

“The health targets are important as they help to deliver better, faster access to key health services for New Zealanders,” says Dr Coleman.

“These results are a credit to the health professionals in Waikato.

“The elective surgery target was again achieved nationally. This Government is committed to delivering more elective surgery to meet demand - we’ve delivered around 50,000 more surgeries over the last seven years.

“Waikato surpassed the elective surgery target by 20 per cent.

“Nationally the more heart and diabetes checks target was met for the third consecutive quarter. Waikato again achieved 92 per cent.

“Waikato improved its results on the faster cancer treatment target up nine per cent to 77 per cent.

“Further progress is needed on shorter stays in ED, immunisation coverage for eight month olds, and better help for smokers to quit.”

The new childhood obesity health target will replace the more heart and diabetes checks target from 1 July. Heart and diabetes checks will remain an accountability measure for DHBs to ensure the gains made are not lost.

The results for Quarter Three 2015/16 (January-March) can be found at:www.health.govt.nz

ENDS

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