Hutt Valley DHB improves access to elective surgery
Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister
of Health
23 May 2017 Media
Statement
Hutt Valley DHB
improves access to elective surgery
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the latest health target results show increased performance at Hutt Valley DHB, particularly in the improved access to elective surgery 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 Hutt Valley DHB continues to perform well, but there’s always more to do.
“Hutt Valley DHB increased their improved access to elective surgery target by 5 per cent taking their total to 105 per cent, well above the target of 100 per cent.
“Further work is needed to achieve the better help for smokers to quit target and the faster cancer treatment target.
“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. Hutt Valley DHB is well above the national average, achieving 91 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.
“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 Hutt Valley for their continued hard work to improve key health services for New Zealanders.”
These results are supported by the $90 million funding increase Hutt Valley DHB has received over the last eight years. Hutt Valley DHB received an extra $10 million in new money this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $415 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