Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health
22 August 2017

Health targets improve outcomes in Waitemata

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

“The latest health targets show that Waitemata DHB surpassed the Shorter Stays in EDs Target, with 97 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. Waitemata DHB achieved 111 per cent which is well above the national average and target.

“Waitemata DHB surpassed the Faster Cancer Treatment Target by 5 per cent, reaching 90 per cent. The target aims to ensure that 85 per cent of patients receive their first cancer treatment within 62 days of a high suspicion of cancer.

“Waitemata 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 achieved 100 per cent of the Raising Healthy Kids Target, ensuring that all children and their families identified as requiring clinical assessment, family based nutrition and activity and lifestyle interventions were supported to get healthy, surpassing the 95 per cent goal.

“Further work is needed however, on the Increased Immunisation Target for eight-month olds.

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

These results are supported by the $497 million funding increase Waitemata DHB has received over the last nine years. Waitemata DHB received an extra $82 million in new money this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $1.588 billion 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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