Health board ‘largely’ on target

The committee member with responsibility for health matters, Eleanor Kietzmann, and myself as publicity officer, met with the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board CEO and staff members, and other Grey Power associations in the area, in late November.

We were keen to know how well the board was doing in meeting its targets. The answer for this year was largely positive.

CEO Dr Peter Bramley reported that until October there had been 2236 surgical discharges. The target was 2457, so they were 95 per cent on target. Over winter, the acute season, there was 123 per cent more work to be done. They also had to contend with many strike days this year from various work forces.

On target were the 175 hip and knee cases treated, and cataracts were very close. Wait times now show 62 people outside the 120-day targeted period. Wairau ED was 95 per cent compliant with its six-hour target for treatment and the new MRI scanner was well used with a 90 per cent compliance.

Cancer wait times were within the target. Colonoscopies were reducing from a maximum of 120 overdue.

Out of 18,000 people screened for bowel cancer, 20 were detected. This early detection is really important; all people in the target group should have it done.

Dr Bramley was keen to have Grey Power support Advance

Care Plans. These are filled out by patients and held electronically by doctors, to instruct them of the wishes of their patients when it comes to important care decisions such as at end of life. These are available in our Grey Power office, online, or at the Health Hub in Queen Street.

Similarly, he urged the use of the Life Tube, which is a tube, attachable to a fridge, holding important information for any medical officer who might attend your home in an emergency. These are available from Age Concern.