Focus on improving outcomes drives improvement in health targets

Efforts in the last quarter have delivered strong progress on the Government’s health targets, with more children fully immunised and emergency department stays shorter nationwide.

Health New Zealand Interim Chief Executive Dr Dale Bramley says the results reflect a strong focus on improving outcomes for patients.

“Childhood immunisation rates have risen to 79.3 per cent of two-year-olds fully immunised, up from 76.9 per cent the same period last year. This is the highest level we have seen in three years, which means we are protecting many more babies from infectious diseases.”

“Our emergency departments are also treating more patients than ever. The good news is that more patients are being seen in a timely way, with 74.2 per cent of patients admitted or discharged within six hours this quarter – up from 70.1 per cent at the same time last year. This is the first time Health New Zealand has achieved this milestone since its creation in 2022.

"Faster cancer care is improving too compared to the same quarter last year, with 84.6 per cent of patients starting treatment within 31 days. That means more patients are getting access to critical treatment sooner, improving recovery chances and easing the stress of waiting.”

Dr Bramley says targeted local initiatives are also making a difference.

“These efforts show the dedication of our health workforce, and a strong focus on improving outcomes for patients and communities.”

This is also reflected in the number of first specialist assessments and elective surgeries delivered. Although our health target performance reduced in these two areas, progress is being made. During the quarter 167,000 first specialist assessments and 48,000 elective treatments were delivered.

To tackle waitlists, we have opened more theatres and expanded Saturday surgeries in some districts, we have increased the volume of surgeries delivered at our own facilities including North Shore Hospital and Burwood Hospital, and we have been partnering with the private sector to deliver additional procedures as part of the elective boost.  We expect performance to lift in quarter four for both first specialist assessments and elective procedures.

“We’re proud of what’s been achieved this quarter, and we remain committed to providing patients across the country with the best care possible.”