Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health

23 May 2017

Wairarapa DHB improves on healthy kids target

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the latest health target results show increased performance at Wairarapa DHB, particularly on the raising healthy kids target.

“The six national health targets help to drive improvement in performance across the health system,” says Dr Coleman.

“This was reinforced by recent New Zealand research that found that the ED target is having a significant impact, with around 700 fewer deaths than predicted in 2012 if pre-target trends continue.

“The latest quarterly health target results for January to March 2017 show Wairarapa DHB continues to perform well, but there’s always more to do.

“Nationally, DHBs lifted their performance to almost 86 per cent of identified obese children being referred to a professional for clinical assessment and family based nutrition. Wairarapa DHB is above the national average, achieving 88 per cent which is an 11 percent increase from last quarter.

“The target is a key part of the Government’s Childhood Obesity Plan. We want to ensure that through the B4 School Check, kids and their families are put in touch with primary healthcare professionals who can check for any clinical risk associated with obesity, and encourage families to take action.

“Results are expected to improve each quarter as referral processes are fully implemented.

“Wairarapa DHB exceeded the 100 per cent target for improved access to elective surgeries by 2 per cent and also exceeded the 95 per cent target for shorter stays in emergency departments, achieving 98 per cent.

“Further work is needed to achieve the better help for smokers to quit target and the increased immunisation target.

“The six national targets provide a focus for action and are reviewed annually to ensure they align with health priorities. Three of the health targets focus on patient access, and three focus on prevention.

“I’d like to acknowledge all the health professionals in the Wairarapa for their continued hard work to improve key health services for New Zealanders.”

These results are supported by the $29 million funding increase Wairarapa DHB has received over the last eight years. Wairarapa DHB received an extra $3 million in new money this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $139 million for 2016/17.

Overall an extra $568 million has been invested into the health sector this year taking the health budget to a record $16.1 billion in 2016/17.

The results for Quarter Three 2016/17 can be found at: www.health.govt.nz/healthtargets

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