DHBs achieving better results
Jonathan Coleman released:
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says good progress has been made in the quarterly health targets with improvements across all six areas.
“The health targets are not just about numbers – they are about delivering better faster access to services,” says Dr Coleman.
“The latest quarterly update shows improvements in elective surgery rates, shorter stays in ED, faster cancer treatment, increased immunisation, better help for smokers to quit, and more heart and diabetes checks.
“These results are a credit to health workers throughout New Zealand.
“Progress towards the new faster cancer treatment target improved six per cent, up to 75 per cent – the biggest quarterly increase to date.
“Delivering better cancer services is a top priority for the Government. We’ve made significant progress since 2008 and patients are getting better faster cancer care.
“The more heart and diabetes checks target was met for the second consecutive quarter. Around 1.2 million people have had their cardiovascular disease risk assessed in the past five years.
“The elective surgery target has again been achieved with 98,870 elective surgical discharges provided for the year to date – 4,890 more than planned.
Data on the targets is here. Some of the changes we have seen:
- 94% of ED patients dealt with in under six hours, up from 70% in 2008
- 98,870 elective surgeries year to date – up 42% from 2008
- 75% of cancer patients getting first treatment within 62 days (up from 66%)
- 100% of patients needing radiotherapy or chemotherapy start it within four weeks
- 94% of infants immunised on time, up from 76% in 2008. Rate of Maori is 91% and Pasifika 96%
- 96% of hospital patients who are smokers getting advice or support on how to quit (up from 17%)
This is stuff that really matters to people and makes a difference.