Media release from Southern DHB

Southern District Health Board's (DHB) Southland - based services have ranked top DHB in the country for the number of two year olds fully immunised, according to the quarter four results of the government's key priority health targets for 2009/10.

The results, released yesterday, also reveal Southlanders receive one of the best levels of access to elective surgery nationally, with the DHB ranking 2nd in the country.

Each of the 2009/10 health targets reflects a priority health area for the government. The targets focus on improving the health sector's performance and ensuring our health and disability system is contributing to maintaining health outcomes in these important areas.

Southern DHB Southland Chief Operating Officer Lexie O'Shea said she was delighted with Southland's latest results and the continued improvements staff had made in the other key target areas also.

"In this quarter we have met the target for shorter waits for cancer treatment radiotherapy (with a 1st equal placing) and seen an improvement in the primary care management of diabetes and cardiovascular services.

"The number of hospitalised patients now being provided support and advice to quit smoking has also risen from 27% in quarter one to an end of year result of 52%.

"These are fantastic results, with the benefits being shared throughout the whole community."

"I would like to again thank all of our staff for their continued efforts and commitment towards these targets."

Note: While the Southland and Otago DHBs merged 1 May 2010 to form the Southern DHB, the organisation has continued to report the former DHBs' individual health targets up to quarter four of 2009/10.

Southern DHB combined results will be reported from quarter one of 2010/11.