More surgical assessments leading to more ops for Taranaki

Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman

Minister of Health

18 August 2015

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says more Taranaki patients are getting their First Surgical Assessment, and faster, compared to seven years ago.

“As New Zealanders live longer lives, access to elective surgery is becoming more important than ever,” says Dr Coleman.

“That’s why speeding up patient’s access to First Surgical Assessments has been a priority for this Government.

“In the last financial year 8,377 Taranaki patients received a First Surgical Assessment, compared to 5,345 in 2008/2009. That’s an increase of 57 percent.”

In 2006 there were just over 15,150 patients nationwide waiting over six months for their First Specialist Assessment. Today there are just 21.

As a result of speeding up access to First Surgical Assessments more Taranaki patients are going on to get the operations they need.

In the last financial year 5,293 elective surgeries were carried out, compared to 3,759 in 2007/2008. That’s a 41 percent increase.

These improvements are supported by the $65 million funding increase Taranaki DHB has received over the last seven years. This includes $14 million in new money for this year, taking the DHB’s total funding to $338 million for 2015/2016.

This funding increase is aided by the $400 million extra invested into health in Budget 2015.

Last updated: Tuesday, August 18, 2015