Health targets: shorter waits for South Islanders
South Islanders are getting faster access to care, with shorter waits for surgery and specialist appointments, the latest health target results show, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
"Healthcare in the South Island is improving steadily. Every district has reduced waits for elective treatment and specialist assessments, South Canterbury has become the first district in the country to meet the 2030 target for specialist assessments, and the South Island leads the country on childhood immunisations," Mr Brown says.
"We know there is more work to do, and that is exactly why now is the time to build on this progress."
These results mark the second annual milestone toward the 2030 health targets. Key results in the South Island from April to June include:
- Improved childhood immunisations: the South Island is the highest performing region in the country, with Southern on 88.3 per cent.
- Shorter waits for first specialist assessments: South Canterbury has become the first district in the country to meet the 2030 target of 95 per cent, up 12.0 points to 95.8 per cent, four years early, with West Coast up 4.1 points to 70.0 per cent.
- Shorter stays in emergency departments: West Coast on 94.6 per cent, the closest of any district to the 2030 target of 95 per cent, with South Canterbury up 7.0 points to 92.9 per cent and Southern up 3.5 points to 77.8 per cent.
- Faster cancer treatment: South Canterbury has met the 2030 target of 90 per cent four years early, up 3.3 points to 91.3 per cent, with Nelson Marlborough half a point away at 89.5 per cent.
- Shorter waits for elective treatment: every district in the region improved, led by West Coast on 87.8 per cent.
Mr Brown says the latest figures show encouraging progress in ensuring more patients across the South Island receive their elective surgeries within four months, including hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery.
"Behind every one of these numbers is someone who is off the waiting list and on the way to getting their life back. We thank our doctors, nurses, and other frontline staff whose daily commitment makes this improvement possible.
"Improving health outcomes is exactly why this Government has been so focused on responsible fiscal management. Careful management of the books is what allows us to keep investing in the services New Zealanders rely on most, while keeping taxes low.
"There is still more work to do. Too many people are still waiting too long, and we will not stop until every New Zealander has timely access to care. With a record $32 billion annual investment, we are rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable, and driving better outcomes on the way to 2030."
South Island region report card HERE
