Health minister Pete HodgsonWednesday 08 August 2007, 9:41AM
Media release from health minister Pete Hodgson
Health Minister Pete Hodgson today announced a set of major health
targets for the New Zealand health system, aimed at achieving the
best possible health outcomes for all New Zealanders.
The Labour-led government is setting nationwide health targets for
the first time in ten key areas: immunisation, oral health,
elective services, cancer waiting times, avoidable admissions,
diabetes, mental health, healthier lifestyles, smoking and
efficiency.
"The Labour-led government has made an investment in health that is
almost without precedent, repairing the infrastructure of a system
severely damaged throughout the 1990s," Pete Hodgson says.
"For New Zealanders, that has meant the price of seeing the doctor
has been cut to around half what it was under National while
prescription charges are now $3, not $15. Hospitals have rebuilt
from Kaitaia to Invercargill, 4000 extra nurses and 1200 more
doctors are now working in our health system. Labour has delivered
better pay for clinicians, higher rates of screening for breast
cancer and diabetes, lifted immunisation rates and achieved a
drastic cut in the number of New Zealanders still smoking.
"Those successes would have been unimaginable seven and a half
years ago but we are not stopping there. These targets are
ambitious, but we shouldn't settle for less."
Pete Hodgson says the targets are areas of priority where
improvements will deliver the best health outcomes possible for New
Zealand families.
"The Ministry of Health included the targets in their Statement of
Intent this year and have been building support for them across the
health sector. The Ministry will now work in partnership with
District Health Boards, service providers and communities to
achieve them.
"New Zealanders are very fortunate to be served by health
professionals who strive for continued improvement in the health of
our families. These targets are a statement from the Labour-led
government it shares that ambition."
Towards a Healthier Future publication http://www.moh.govt.nz/newsandissues