31% more operations for Taranaki patients

Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman

Minister of Health

19 March 2015

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says more Taranaki DHB patients are receiving the elective surgeries they need compared to six years ago.

“Delivering more elective surgeries has been a priority for this Government,” says Dr Coleman.
Last year 5,092 Taranaki patients received elective surgery, compared to 3,876 in 2008. That’s a 31 percent increase.

“These improvements are a credit to the health professionals in Taranaki,” says Dr Coleman.
“Over the last six years an extra 4,337 Taranaki patients have benefited from elective surgery, compared to the level of surgeries completed under the previous Government.

“The latest health target results show Taranaki DHB has continued to deliver a high number of elective surgeries, surpassing the 100 per cent target by 16 per cent.

“Taranaki DHB’s funding has increased by $52 million over the last six years. This year’s funding, including the new money for elective surgery, will be announced in the budget.
“This Government inherited a wasteful and inefficient system which did not deliver what New Zealanders required.

“In contrast, we have set clear health targets and lifted elective surgeries nationwide by 35 per cent, from 122,838 in 2008, to 165,611 in 2014.”

Media contact: Angela Kenealy 021 220 0129

Last updated: Thursday, March 19, 2015