Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health
25 August 2015 Media Statement
Latest health target results for Waikato

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the latest quarterly health target results show Waikato DHB is making steady progress.

“These results are a credit to the health professionals in Waikato DHB,” says Dr Coleman.

Nationally, the better help for smokers to quit primary care target of 90 per cent was met for the first time. The hospital component of the target has been consistently achieved in the last two years.

90 per cent of smokers seen in primary care in Waikato DHB were offered advice on how to quit.

“There is good evidence that talking with a health professional is one of the most effective ways to get people to give up smoking,” says Dr Coleman.

“By helping people quit not only are we reducing the risk of a smoker having a smoking-related disease, we’re also improving the health of the family.”

All DHBs met the improved access to elective surgery target for 2014/15.
Waikato DHB surpassed the 100 per cent target by 16 per cent.

“The Government is committed to delivering year-on-year increases in elective surgery. We have delivered around 50,000 more surgeries over the last seven years - a 42 per cent increase,” says Dr Coleman.

“94 per cent of emergency department patients in Waikato DHB were admitted, discharged or transferred within six hours, up one per cent on the previous quarter.

“Nationally the shorter stays in ED target was met for the second consecutive quarter. This is a significant achievement, and it reflects the hard work by staff. We know that it is currently a challenging time for EDs during the busy winter months.

“Also in Waikato, 90 per cent of eligible people had a heart and diabetes check. More work is needed on the new cancer treatment target and on immunisation coverage.”

These improvements are supported by the $257 million funding increase Waikato DHB has received over the last seven years. This includes $44 million in new money for this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $1115 million for 2015/2016.

This funding increase is also supported by the $400 million extra invested into health in Budget 2015.

The quarter four results can be found at www.health.govt.nz

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