Health targets improve outcomes in the Hutt
Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister
of Health
22 August 2017
Health targets improve outcomes in the Hutt
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the latest health target results show that Hutt Valley 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 Hutt Valley DHB continues to perform well, but there’s always more to do.
“The latest health targets show that 91 per cent of patients were admitted, discharged or transferred from Hutt Valley DHB EDswithin six hours through the Shorter Stays in EDs Target.
“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. Hutt Valley DHB achieved 109 per cent which is above the national average and well above the target.
“Hutt Valley DHB is close to meeting the Increased Immunisation Target for eight-month olds and the Better Help for Smokers to Quit target.
“Further work is needed however, on the Faster Cancer Treatment Target and the Raising Healthy Kids Target.
“I’d like to acknowledge all the health professionals at Hutt Valley DHB for their continued hard work to improve key health services for New Zealanders.”
These results are supported by the $100 million funding increase Hutt Valley DHB has received over the last nine years. Hutt Valley DHB received an extra $15 million in new money this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $428 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
ENDS