Health targets: shorter waits for Waikato and surrounding regions
Communities across Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Taranaki, and Gisborne are getting faster access to care, the latest health target results show, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
"This is a significant milestone for the Midland region. Every district is now meeting the 2030 target for faster cancer treatment, and waits for elective surgery have come down right across the region," 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 Midland region from April to June include:
Faster cancer treatment: the Midland region is the highest performing in the country, and all five districts have now met the 2030 target of 90 per cent, four years early. Waikato leads on 96.2 per cent.
Shorter waits for elective treatment: Gisborne up 14.4 percentage points to 83.9 per cent, the strongest result in the region.
Shorter stays in emergency departments: Gisborne leads the region on 91.8 per cent, with Lakes up 3.3 points to 85.8 per cent and Waikato up 4.5 points to 73.8 per cent.
Shorter waits for first specialist assessments: Lakes on 85.2 per cent, with Gisborne up 10.0 points to 74.9 per cent, Taranaki up 4.7 points to 69.2 per cent, and Bay of Plenty up 5.6 points to 67.8 per cent.
Mr Brown says the latest figures show encouraging progress in ensuring more patients across the Midland region 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."
Midland region report card HERE
