Health Board reflects on a busy year

27 October 2006

Health Board reflects on a busy year

Bay of Plenty District Health Board has had yet another successful year, marking it with the publishing of its Annual Report for the financial year ending 30 June 2006.

Chief Executive Officer Phil Cammish says the key focus for the year has been the commencement of planning to meet the community and primary health care needs of the Bay of Plenty population which will continue to develop and progress in conjunction with community and primary providers including the Primary Health Organisations in the district.

"Primary Health Organisations have continued to grow and develop throughout the year, with five successful PHOs working across the district. The government has increased funding so that more people have access to affordable primary health care and as a health board we have been able to increase funding for special and or specific health programmes delivered by PHOs," says Mr Cammish.

A recent primary and community health care summit held in the Eastern Bay and attended by over 160 delegates is a signal of the work that will continue in the coming year.

Another major achievement for the year was the introduction of a new clinical governance model in the health board's provider arm, which has increased clinician involvement in decision-making and brought a new focus to the way secondary health services are delivered.

Further highlights of the 2005/2006 financial year included:

* Project LEO Tauranga Hospital campus redevelopment progress, with both the podium and north wing ward block buildings clearly visible on the Tauranga skyline. The building is on schedule for a progressive opening from mid-2007 onwards.

* A collaborative partnership planning workshop between Runanga and Bay of Plenty District Health Board with a focus on enhancing the strategic relationships between the two Treaty of Waitangi partners.

* The introduction of two technical advisory groups for children and youth, and diabetes, which have the responsibility of providing expert, technical, professional and evidence-based advice and information to inform planning and funding in these areas.

* The implementation of the Ministry of Health 'Fruit in Schools' initiative to encourage healthy eating and physical activity in school children.

* The establishment of a clinical education centre steering group to progress the concept of clinical school to assist with clinical workforce development.

The annual statement of financial performance shows an operating surplus of $4.2 million on revenues of approximately $420 million. Having a small surplus allows the health board flexibility in its service and infrastructure investments in future years.

The Bay of Plenty District Health Board Annual Report is available online at www.bopdhb.govt.nz

ENDS

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