Steady progress on health targets in Taranaki

Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman

Minister of Health

26 May 2015

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

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

“95 per cent of emergency department patients in Taranaki DHB were admitted, discharged or transferred within six hours.

“Nationally the shorter stays in emergency departments target has been met for the first time – despite the increasing number of patients presenting to emergency departments. Meeting the target is a significant achievement.

“It is a tribute to the staff in Taranaki DHB. We know that emergency departments only work well when the rest of the hospital is working well too.”
Taranaki DHB surpassed the 100 per cent elective surgery target by 20 per cent. “DHBs remain focused on reducing waiting times for elective first specialist assessments and treatment,” says Dr Coleman.

“The extra $98 million for elective surgery in Budget 2015 will provide more New Zealanders with timely surgery. The Government is committed to continuing to deliver increases in elective surgery.

“Taranaki also made good progress on other targets. 91 per cent received a heart and diabetes check. 72 per cent of patients with a high suspicion of cancer received their first treatment within 62 days of referral.”

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

Media contact: Kirsty Taylor-Doig 021 838 372

 

Last updated: Tuesday, May 26, 2015