Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health
22 August 2017
Health targets improve outcomes in the Waikato
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the latest health target results show that Waikato 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 Waikato DHB continues to perform well, but there’s
always more to do.
“The latest health targets show that 86 per cent of patients were admitted, discharged or transferred from Waikato 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. Waikato DHB achieved 114 per cent which is well above the target and the national average.
“Waikato DHB also surpassed the Faster Cancer Treatment Target, reaching 86 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.
“The DHB was close to the Better Help for Smokers to Quit Target, offering 88 per cent of their PHO enrolled smokers to
support to quit.
“Further work is needed however, on the Increased Immunisation for eight-month olds and the Raising Healthy Kids
targets.
“I’d like to acknowledge all the health professionals at the Waikato DHB for their continued hard work to improve key
health services for New Zealanders.”
These results are supported by the $399 million funding increase Waikato DHB has received over the last nine years.
Waikato DHB received an extra $61 million in new money this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $1.24 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