Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health

22 August 2017
Health targets improve outcomes in South Canterbury

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the latest health target results show that South Canterbury 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 South Canterbury DHB continues to perform well, but there’s always more to do.

“The latest health targets show that South Canterbury DHB surpassed the Shorter Stays in EDs Target, with 96 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. South CanterburyDHB achieved 104 per cent which is well above the target.

“South Canterbury DHB also met the Increased Immunisation Target for which aims to ensure that eight-month olds receive their immunisations on time. The DHB is 1 per cent off the Better Help for Smokers to Quit Target.

“Further work is needed however, on the Faster Cancer Treatment and theRaising Healthy Kids targets.

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

These results are supported by the $41 million funding increase South Canterbury DHB has received over the last nine years. South Canterbury DHB received an extra $9 million in new money this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $189 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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