Health minister Tony RyallFriday 30 July 2010, 11:58AM
Health Minister Tony Ryall says the findings from an audit of
hospital patients with acute coronary syndrome have led to
immediate action.
The report is published in today's New Zealand Medical
Journal, and Mr Ryall says, "The findings reinforce the need
for the National Cardiac Clinical Network which was set up last
year."
"The first priority was reducing cardiac surgery waiting lists, and
the next area for improvement in cardiac services is the treatment
of patients arriving in hospital with cardiac chest pain."
"I am advised things have improved in most regions in recent years,
but the poorest access exists in the central north island
"As a result of the cardiac network of the Midland DHBs will work
together to improve access."
"We want to see patients needing angiography services getting them
within 72 hours. They're currently waiting up to five days in some
parts of the region."
"I have written to every DHB about the issue, and outlined the plan
which has been developed by clinicians."