Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health
22 August 2017
Health targets improve outcomes in the Tairawhiti region
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the latest health target results show that Tairawhiti 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 Tairawhiti DHB continues to perform well, but there’s
always more to do.
“The latest health targets show that Tairawhiti DHB achieved the Shorter Stays in EDs Target, with 95 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. Tairawhiti DHB achieved 110 per cent which is above the national average and well above the target.
“Tairawhiti DHB also surpassed the Better Help for Smokers to Quit Target, offering 93 per cent of their PHO enrolled
smokers to support to quit.
“Further work is needed however, on the Raising Healthy Kids, Increased Immunisation for eight-month olds and the Faster
Cancer Treatment targets.
“I’d like to acknowledge all the health professionals at Tairawhiti DHB for their continued hard work to improve key
health services for New Zealanders.”
These results are supported by the $46 million funding increase Tairawhiti DHB has received over the last nine years.
Tairawhiti DHB received an extra $8 million in new money this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $175 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