Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health

22 August 2017
Health targets improve outcomes in the Nelson Marlborough region

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the latest health target results show that Nelson Marlborough DHB is making good progress.

“Under this Government the six national health targets have helped to drive improvement in performance across the health system,” says Dr Coleman.

“These publically reported targets make a real difference to the quality of care in the health system and have saved lives.

“The latest health target results for April to June 2017 show that Nelson Marlborough DHB continues to perform well, but there’s always more to do.

“The latest health targets show that Nelson Marlborough DHB achieved the Shorter Stays in EDs Target, with 95 per cent of patients admitted, discharged or transferred from DHB EDs within six hours.

“Recent New Zealand research found that this target is saving lives, with around 700 fewer deaths than predicted in 2012 if pre-target trends continue.

“Nationally the Improved Access to Elective Surgery Target of 100 per cent was again achieved, this time surpassed by six per cent. Nelson MarlboroughDHB achieved 105 per cent which is well above the target.

“Nelson Marlborough DHB met the Faster Cancer Treatment Target, ensuring that 85 per cent of patients received their first treatment within 62 days of a high suspicion of cancer.

“The DHB were close to meeting the Better Help for Smokers to Quit Target and the Increased Immunisation Target for eight-month olds.

“Further work is needed however, on the Raising Healthy Kids Target.

“I’d like to acknowledge all the health professionals at Nelson Marlborough DHB for their continued hard work to improve key health services for New Zealanders.”

These results are supported by the $102 million funding increase Nelson Marlborough DHB has received over the last nine years. Nelson Marlborough DHB received an extra $24 million in new money this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $452 million for 2017/18.

Overall an extra $888 million has been invested into the health sector this year taking the health budget to a record $16.8 billion in 2017/16.

The results for quarter 4 2016/17 can be found at:http://www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system/health-targets

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