Waitemata DHB progressing well on health targets
Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health
23 May 2017
Waitemata DHB progressing well on health targets
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the latest health target results show that Waitemata DHB performs well, achieving four out of the six health targets.
“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 that Waitemata 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. Waitemata DHB is well above the national average and the target of 95 per cent, achieving 100 per cent.
“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.
“Waitemata DHB exceeded the faster cancer treatment target of 85 percent, achieving 92 per cent. The DHB also exceeded the improved access to elective surgery target of 100 per cent, achieving 108 per cent. The shorter stays in emergency departments target of 95 per cent was also surpassed by 2 per cent.
“Further work is needed to reach the better help for smokers to quit 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 Waitemata DHB for their continued hard work to improve key health services for New Zealanders.”
These results are supported by the $409 million funding increase Waitemata DHB has received over the last eight years. Waitemata DHB received an extra $51 million in new money this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $1.5 billion 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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