NZMAFriday 26 February 2010, 1:26PM
Media release from New Zealand Medical Association
DHB quarterly performance results released today, which show
variable results and highlight concerning inconsistencies in
healthcare delivery across New Zealand, require stronger leadership
from the Government, says the New Zealand Medical
Association.
"The Government needs to demonstrate a greater leadership role
that goes beyond telling DHBs they must do better," says NZMA Chair
Dr Peter Foley. "They need to develop promised national frameworks
faster and guidelines to govern health services throughout the
country. We urgently require this better central
coordination. These changes would help to ensure that
patients receive health services that are consistently met,
regardless of where they live."
"At present we are a long way from providing equitable health
delivery to patients."
The variability of DHB results continues to show the problems
inherent in having 21 autonomous DHBs in a country of four million
people, says Dr Foley.
"Some DHBs have achieved impressive results, such as Hawkes Bay's
91 per cent immunisation target and the West Coast's 99 per cent
Emergency Department target. However, the variability between DHBs
cannot be ignored. We would urge the Government to make this a
priority."