More funding for DHB in 2016 budget

Waitemata DHB will receive an extra $51 million in new money this year as part of Budget 2016, taking its total funding to $1.5 billion for 2016/17.

Health target gains made in the previous quarter have also been maintained.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the health targets continue to drive performance across the health system.

‘‘They are important as they help to deliver better, faster access to key health services for New Zealanders,’’ he says. ‘‘These results are a credit to the health professionals in Waitemata.’’

‘‘The elective surgery target was again achieved nationally and Waitemata surpassed the elective surgery target by 2 per cent.’’

‘‘Nationally the more heart and diabetes checks target was met for the third consecutive quarter. Waitemata achieved 91 per cent.

‘‘Waitemata also met the shorter stays in ED target with 96 per cent, and the better help for smokers to quit target – up 2 per cent to 90 per cent.

‘‘Further progress is needed on the faster cancer treatment target and immunisation coverage for eight month olds.’’

The new childhood obesity health target will replace the heart and diabetes checks target from July 1. Heart and diabetes checks will remain an accountability measure for DHBs to ensure the gains made are not lost.

The results for Quarter Three 2015/16 (January-March) can be found at www.health.govt.nz