Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health
22 August 2017

Health targets improve outcomes in MidCentral region

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

“The latest health targets show that 88 per cent of patients were admitted, discharged or transferred from MidCentral 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. MidCentral DHB achieved 105 per cent, well above the target.

“MidCentral DHB also met the Better Help for Smokers to Quit Target, offering 90 per cent of their PHO enrolled smokers to support to quit.

“The DHB is close to achieving the Increased Immunisation Target for eight-month olds, the Raising Healthy Kids Target and the Faster Cancer Treatment Target, all with around 3 per cent to go.

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

These results are supported by the $157 million funding increase MidCentral DHB has received over the last nine years. MidCentral DHB received an extra $22 million in new money this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $617 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

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